Chelsea welcome £55M signing, Blues confirms July defender deal, Spanish star delighted with summer move
Here is a roundup of the top Chelsea news, gossip and transfer talk that you could have missed guys…
CHELSEA have officially confirmed defender Ashley Lawrence has departed the club to join OL Lyonnes.
The Blues posted on the club website: ‘The Canadian joined Chelsea in 2023 and won four trophies in two seasons at the club, including the Women’s Super League crown in both years as a Blue.
‘Ashley made 60 appearances for the club in total, scoring three goals, recording eight assists and was an important part of sides under both Emma Hayes and Sonia Bompastor.
‘Lawrence made her Chelsea debut in the opening game of the 2023/24 season against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge, scoring her first goal during a 6-0 league win away to Aston Villa in November of that year.
‘During her first campaign in blue, she made 30 appearances in total as we secured the WSL trophy on the final day of the season.
‘That summer she was named in the Best XI as Canada reached the semi-finals of the CONCACAF W Gold Cup and she also travelled to the 2024 Summer Olympics, as her country made the quarter-finals.
‘During the 2024/25 season, Lawrence recorded 30 appearances in all competitions and helped the team secure an unbeaten domestic Treble under the guidance of Bompastor.
‘Everyone at CHELSEA would like to wish Ashley the very best for the future as she begins a new chapter in her career. ‘
KEPA HAPPY WITH MOVE
New Arsenal signing kepa has opened up and revealed that he is really happy to be a Gunner after CHELSEA allowed him to leave the club for a reported £5 million
Kepa became the world’s most expensive goalkeeper when he joined Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao in a £71m deal during the summer of 2018, going on to win the Europa League and Champions League with the Blues as well as the 2023 UEFA Nations League with Spain.
Arrizabalaga replaced the experienced Neto at Bournemouth last season, who ironically joined Arsenal on loan, as the Cherries’ first-choice keeper. The Spaniard excelled under manager Andoni Iraola, playing 35 Premier League matches and securing nine clean sheets
Raya is firmly established as the club’s first choice having cemented his status after ousting Aaron Ramsdale. The former Brentford star has won back-to-back Golden Glove Awards and although Kepa is under no illusions as to the challenge that faces him he is ready to push Raya all the way.
New Arsenal signing Kepa Arrizabalaga said: “I’m really, really happy to be here, really excited and looking forward to what is coming.
“The ambition that is shown in this club, when I talk with Mikel [Arteta] and Inaki [Cana], how much they show me their desire to win…
“I think we are so close to winning and, hopefully, altogether, we can achieve it.”
CHELSEA SIGNS PEDRO
CHELSEA have confirmed that they are delighted to announce the signing of Brazil international Joao Pedro from Brighton and Hove Albion
The Blues posted on the club website: ‘The 23-year-old forward has penned a long-term deal with the Blues that runs through to 2033, and joins the squad immediately ahead of our FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras.
‘A product of Brazilian giants Fluminense, Joao Pedro first emerged as a teenager with flair and a natural eye for goal. He netted 10 times in 36 games for the Rio club before making the leap to English football.
‘His journey continued at Watford, where he impressed across four seasons with 109 appearances, 24 goals, occasionally wearing the captain’s armband during the 2022/23 ‘campaign — all before turning 22.
‘In 2023, Joao Pedro signed for Brighton and made an instant impact. He scored on his debut and went on to deliver a standout campaign with 19 goals in all competitions, finishing as the Seagulls’ joint-top scorer.
A versatile forward, Joao brings top-flight experience having also represented Brazil on the international stage with three caps, the most recent coming in a 2–1 win over Colombia.
Welcome to Chelsea, Joao Pedro!
‘Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history,’ Joao Pedro said. ‘They had brilliant players in the past and have brilliant players now. So I am excited to join and you know when you are a Chelsea player you must think one thing — win.’
MORE BIG CHELSEA NEWS AND GOSSIP
Most Read: Chelsea confirms and announce defender has completed summer move
Also Read: Chelsea news: Spanish star opens up and reveals delight after summer move
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