Xabi Alonso will take charge of Chelsea in a competitive fixture for the first time when they face west London neighbours Fulham on Monday night.
The derby is the final game in the opening round of fixtures for the new Premier League season, which started on Friday when champions Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 defeat against Coventry City.
Alonso will hope to see his side impress at Craven Cottage, although the Blues were beaten by both Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus during pre-season.
Ahead of Monday’s game, it has emerged that a Premier League side are in talks to sign one of Chelsea’s out-of-favour attackers.
As per Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa remain in contact with Chelsea about a possible move to sign forward Nicolas Jackson.
Jackson spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich (Photo: DPA/Alamy)
Romano suggests that the Senegal international is likely to leave Stamford Bridge before the end of the current transfer window, although the Blues are keen to sell the player rather than letting him leave on loan.
Jackson, 25, joined Chelsea from La Liga side Villarreal back in 2023 and has since scored 30 goals in 81 games for the club across all competitions, as well as registering 12 assists.
The Senegalese striker spent last season on loan at German side Bayern Munich, and netted eight times in 23 Bundesliga games as they cruised to the top flight title.
Jackson has since returned to London, but his future remains very much in doubt with both clubs said to be in active talks.
The possible move could depend on the future of current Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who Romano suggests could join Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal in the closing stages of the transfer window.
La Liga giants Atletico are reportedly interested in the player and could offer him a return to Spain.
