Chelsea Women news: Kafaji links, Feyenoord friendly announced, nine squad numbers confirmed

The anticipation is building as we inch closer to our first look at Sonia Bompastor's Chelsea. With less than two weeks until the Blues' opening friendly match in the United States against NJ/NY Gotham FC, excitement is reaching fever pitch. The prospect of seeing familiar faces like Jess Carter and Ann-Katrin Berger on the opposing side adds an intriguing twist to this preseason encounter.

As the match day approaches, let's delve into some recent news items surrounding the team.

Young Swedish star Rosa Kafaji has been linked with Chelsea, Arsenal are the reported favorites

The West Londoners have reportedly set their sights on Rosa Kafaji, a promising 21-year-old Swedish international for BK Häcken FF. According to Tim Stillman, the Blues are not alone in their pursuit, with Lyon, FC Barcelona, and Arsenal also expressing interest in the young talent.

Kafaji's impressive performance in the UEFA Women's Champions League last season, where she was one of only three players under 21 to contribute at least five goals, has caught the attention of these top clubs. While Arsenal is rumored to be leading the race for her signature, Chelsea's interest suggests that the club may not be done adding emerging talent.

Interestingly, Arsenal's position as frontrunner raises eyebrows, given they're the only club among the interested parties not guaranteed a spot in the Champions League group stages this fall. This situation prompts the question: Wouldn't Kafaji prefer the certainty of Champions League football? Her current club, BK Häcken FF, already has a slight advantage in this regard, entering the qualification process at round two, while Arsenal must start from round one.

It's quite simple: Just come to the better club in London.

Bringing Kafaji in would add yet another creative attacking threat for Bompastor's first campaign in charge

The Blues know Kafaji well since BK Häcken was a part of their Champions League group last year. The attacking midfielder combined for seven shot-creating actions and eight successful take-on attempts throughout two matches against the English giants.

Chelsea's summer recruitment has already shown a focus on youth, with the West London club securing three new players under 25: Oriane Jean-François, Sandy Baltimore, and Júlia Bartel. Adding Kafaji, at just 21, would further reinforce this strategy while bolstering an already impressive attacking midfield. Kafaji's signing would not only strengthen the squad but also align with Chelsea's continued aim of building for both present success and future dominance.

Feyenoord will travel to Kingsmeadow for Chelsea's third pre-season friendly in September

The details of another preparation match were released on Friday. Following Chelsea's USA tour, Bompastor's Blues will meet Vrouwen Eredivisie outfit Feyenoord Vrouwen on September 7 at 12:00 pm BST or 7:00 am EST in the United States. That is 13 days before the Women's Super League opener against Aston Villa on BBC in the friendly Norbiton neighborhood fortress.

General tickets will go on sale at 10 am BST on August 6 — a few days after season ticket holders are allowed to lock down their seats.

Jessica Torny's Rotterdam club endured a disappointing 2023-24 campaign — finishing eighth in the Dutch top flight, a staggering 32 points behind league champions FC Twente. Feyenoord was led in the goal involvements department during that season by Esmee de Graaf, a former West Ham United and Leicester City player. The club's most recent summer incoming was American youth international Talia DellaPeruta from UC Sampdoria, who inked a deal until mid-2026.

Chelsea announced squad numbers for nine new and returning players including Erin Cuthbert and Mayra Ramirez

While Chelsea hasn't released a comprehensive list of player numbers for the upcoming season, they have revealed the jersey assignments for nine squad members.

EC22 is no more. Erin Cuthbert will wear No. 8 — a number that was previously worn by the great Melanie Leupolz who departed West London for Real Madrid on July 3. You'd have to be crazy not to buy a No. 8 Cuthbert kit. That is a perfect number for a player who is a truly aggressive box-to-box midfielder.

Currently on Olympic duty with Colombia, Mayra Ramirez will wear the No. 7 shirt upon her return, previously worn by Jess Carter. Meanwhile, center back Nathalie Björn is slated to become the Blues' new No. 14.

Chelsea have confirmed the numbers for all four newcomers. Lucy Bronze secures No. 22, while Bartel takes No. 16, previously held by the departed Nicky Evrard. Promising young French duo Sandy Baltimore and Oriane Jean-François will don No. 17 and No. 27, respectively.

Two returning loanees round out the number changes: Wieke Kaptein claims No. 18 for the Blues, while Alejandra Bernabe takes up No. 29, previously worn by Jorja Fox.