EXCL: Moises Caicedo deal still ON - Games being played, Romeo Lavia movements, Two players signed, Busy August to come, Tom Glick still involved in sponsorship, Captaincy news, and more....
The Ben Jacobs Chelsea FC column!
Chelsea won the Premier League Summer Series following a 2-0 victory over Fulham in Maryland. They now fly to Chicago to face Dortmund before returning to London.
Although pre-season results don't really matter, winning a trophy can't hurt. It will only strengthen the team bond. We saw a joint-lift of the trophy by Thiago Silva and Reece James. It's likely the pair will be captain and vice-captain. I'll come back to this in more detail in a moment.
It's been an encouraging America tour so far, quite the contrast to 12 months ago when Thomas Tuchel bemoaned a disruptive pre-season. Chelsea have adapted well to the 4-2-3-1 system and there's an obvious squad chemistry. I have been particularly impressed by Nicolas Jackson, who looks set to start against Liverpool on opening day. He's a natural finisher and, as importantly, a confident and vocal personality. Jackson, much like Ben Chilwell, has been working to bring Mykhailo Mudryk out of his shell. Mudryk's goal against Brighton just might get him going.
I also think Christopher Nkunku looks like a class act. He has an aura about him and a calmness in front of goal. Hopefully he'll prove a big-occasion player. Chelsea haven't ruled out adding another No.9, but are delighted with how both Nkunku and Jackson have settled in. Nkunku can of course lead the line if required. And let's hope Armando Broja can get fit and some minutes as well.
This week Chelsea have also made a couple of quick signings. Midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu has joined from Rennes. Mauricio Pochettino does plan to assess him, but hinted after Fulham he'll be sent out on loan. It's believed he'll spend next season with Chelsea's sister-club Strasbourg.
