
AI-generated summary
Chelsea have previously been accused of exploiting loopholes in Premier League regulations, including selling two hotels adjacent to Stamford Bridge and their women's team to companies within their ownership structure to comply with financial rules. They also handed out unusually long contracts after American owners took over in 2022, enabling transfer fees to be spread over more seasons.
Teenager Honest Ahanor will join Chelsea next season, external but the Atalanta defender will play the rest of this campaign on loan at Crystal Palace.
The Blues have agreed a deal worth up to £40m for the 18-year-old Italy international.
But he will not arrive at Stamford Bridge immediately and has instead joined Palace, external before officially becoming a Chelsea player next summer.
"I'm very happy to be here and to be a part of this great family," Ahanor told Crystal Palace official website after joining the Eagles., external
"To be at one of the best clubs for young players in the Premier League is something which makes me grateful and excited."
Chelsea first expressed an interest in Ahanor, 18, when they signed right-back Marco Palestra from the Serie A side in July.
Ahanor had the unusual distinction of being announced by two Premier League clubs and featuring in two separate photoshoots wearing two different badges in a single day.
The arrangement agreed by all parties will see Ahanor play for Crystal Palace during the 2026-27 season.
It follows Chelsea's signing of centre-back Maxence Lacroix from their London rivals for £52m last month.
Chelsea have also loaned Axel Disasi directly to Palace for a £3m fee.
Under Premier League rules, clubs may loan only one player to another club in the same division.
However, this arrangement, under which a player is purchased in 2027 but loaned by selling club Atalanta to Chelsea's preferred destination in the meantime, represents a workaround.
Chelsea have previously been accused of exploiting loopholes in Premier League regulations, including selling two hotels adjacent to Stamford Bridge and their women's team to companies within their ownership structure in order to comply with financial rules.
They also handed out unusually long contracts after the club's American owners took over in 2022, enabling transfer fees to be spread over a greater number of seasons.
In each case, the relevant regulations were subsequently amended.
However, Chelsea continue to seek innovative ways to recruit, develop and ultimately secure some of Europe's most promising young talent.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Premier League will review and potentially amend loan regulations to prevent similar workarounds
Likely · Within months

Newcastle United have signed Belgian forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille for an initial £51.4 million. The 21-year-old flew to Tyneside for a medical and signed a long-term contract, expressing pride at joining the club and eagerness to progress under head coach Matthias Jaissle.

Brighton have agreed to sign Nigeria winger Femi Azeez from Millwall for an initial £12.5m, potentially rising past £15m with add-ons. The 25-year-old scored 11 goals and provided eight assists in 37 games last season, earning a place in the PFA Championship team of the year. Azeez would be Brighton's 11th summer signing, while Millwall would receive a club record sale.

Fulham have agreed to sign midfielder Manuel Angel from Real Madrid and Hugo Larsson from Eintracht Frankfurt, with Larsson expected to cost €25m. The club is also in advanced talks to sign Austrian centre-back David Affengruber from Elche.

Everton have agreed a season-long loan deal for Jack Grealish from Manchester City, with the 30-year-old set for a medical before Tuesday's transfer deadline. The club also agreed a £3m deal for Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon and are pursuing moves for Folarin Balogun and Nathan Patterson.

Former England captain David Beckham praised Lionel Messi's legacy after the Argentine's retirement from international football, noting Messi inspired millions of children worldwide. Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, highlighted Messi's 125 goals in 207 appearances, World Cup win in 2022, and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho said future tournaments will not be the same without Messi. Former Argentina teammates Angel di Maria, Cristian Romero, and Enzo Fernandez shared personal tributes, calling Messi the greatest of all time and reflecting on playing alongside him.

Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay, 29, will undergo a minor heart procedure after Napoli announced the discovery of a mild benign arrhythmia. He was substituted after 56 minutes in Napoli's 2-1 Serie A loss to Como and is expected to return after the international break in early October, likely missing Scotland's first four Nations League games under new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli.