Chelsea 'monitoring' Real Madrid target as pundit apologises to Blues star

Chelsea are now looking ahead to a Conference League clash with Astana after Sunday’s London derby with Tottenham. The Europa League has been an important vehicle for some of the Blues’ young and fringe players to prove their worth and develop so far this season.

The Premier League will be Enzo Maresca’s priority, but Chelsea have been strong in Europe so far. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the Blues.

Reis chase

Chelsea are said to be interested in a deal for Palmeiras talent Vitor Reis, with Arsenal also said to be tracking the defender. The Blues have already done plenty of shopping in South America.

“Understand that Vitor Reis is already a potential transfer target for Arsenal and Chelsea next summer,” Florian Plettenburg wrote on X. “Both clubs are closely monitoring the 18 y/o top talent from Palmeiras. Central defender with a contract valid until 2028. @SkySportDE.“ Real Madrid have also been linked with a move for Reis over recent days, with Los Blancos likely needing to replace Antonio Rudiger in the next couple of seasons.

Redknapp apologises

Harry Redknapp has apologised to Nicolas Jackson after he has previously claimed the striker was not good enough. He wrote in The Sun: “I have to be honest, when they bought him I thought, ‘He is just not good enough’.

“He was going to Bournemouth for £20million but that didn’t happen because he had an injury and I really thought the Cherries had saved themselves £20m. Now Jackson is looking a very useful player. Full credit to the manager because he has given him a bit of self belief and he’s delivering the goods.” Jackson has been superb for Chelsea so far this season, nailing down a starting spot under Maresca, scoring goals and providing plenty more in his positional and hold-up play.