Major signings and departures at Chelsea

Major ins: Pedro, Asmir Begovic, Radamel Falcao, Baba Rahman, Nathan, Kenedy, Papy Djilobodji, Michael Hector

Major outs: Petr Cech, Filipe Luis, Juan Cuadrado, Marco van Ginkel, Didier Drogba, Oriol Romeu, Christian Atsu, Patrick Bamford, Nathan Ake, Lucas Piazon

The positives: top-quality cover for Thibaut Courtois without the immediate prospect of bench-related frustration, a promising young left-back, the joy of gazumping Manchester United for a player who has all the tools to be a big hit in the Premier League.

The negatives: Jose Mourinho’s striking options will look a bit light if Diego Costa’s hamstrings keep playing up, plus Cesc Fabregas’ wavering form could make an all-action midfielder (cough cough Paul Pogba cough) a priority in the near future.

Then there was the failure to land John Stones, a player they courted in public but failed to get. The difference to last season, when they landed every one of their targets in super-quick time, is vast.

By AFP 4 hrs ago
Football
Arsenal thrash Chelsea 5-0 to open up Premier League lead
By AFP 4 hrs ago
Football
Inter Milan seal Scudetto in derby thriller with AC Milan
By Ben Ahenda 16 hrs ago
Boxing
Andiego eyes Olympics slot after victory at Nelson Mandela Cup
Football
FKF-PL: Are fans back to the stadiums or it is false hopes?