Chelsea are looking for a new manager after sacking Liam Rosenior and Xabi Alonso, who left Real Madrid in January, but a new manager could bring some familiar faces to Stamford Bridge if he takes over.
Arda Güler would be the favorite to join Xabi Alonso at Chelsea, but his price tag won’t come cheap (Image: JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images)
If Xabi Alonso takes charge at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea will benefit from his extensive football network. The Blues are looking for a permanent manager again following the sacking of manager Liam Rosenior last month, and Alonso is on the market after leaving Real Madrid in January.
The Athletic reports that decision-makers in west London are already considering a move to make Alonso the new Chelsea head coach. Liverpool legend Alonso is thought to be open to the deal, while Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola remains a strong candidate.
The former Bayer Leverkusen manager and Bundesliga-winning manager will be hoping to revive his career in the capital. However, his arrival could be a welcome boon in the transfer market, with the possibility of some reunions this summer.
Follow the Chelsea FB page! For the latest news and details about Bruce, visit our dedicated Facebook page.
Alda Guler
One of the hallmarks of Todd Boley’s era at Chelsea has been the acquisition of young, creative attacking talent. The Blues don’t exactly require every player brought through the door, but Arda Guler is more likely to bring a return than others.
read more: Chelsea confirm Cesc Fabregas’ stance, add three new names to list of candidates for next managerread more: I spoke to Cesc Fabregas last year – here’s why he should be Chelsea’s next manager
The Turkish international is certainly one that Alonso would be keen to team up with again, given the high praise he has for the 21-year-old. Shortly after taking over as Madrid manager, the manager gave Goulart opportunities in a variety of positions and made it a priority to fit him into the team, either as a number 10, wide on either flank or in central midfield.
“In terms of his quality, he’s like a combination of[Mesut]Ozil and Guti,” Alonso said of the youngster in October, comparing him to his two former Real team-mates. “Guti had the vision and skill to connect plays and maneuvers close to the goal, and I really enjoyed playing football with Mesut. Arda has something special, a natural talent that cannot be taught.”
In that respect, Guler is uncannily similar to Cole Palmer, a naturally gifted player who just needs to be in the starting eleven whenever possible. That kind of adaptability could prove invaluable, given that Chelsea have felt the absence of Palmer acutely during this season’s injury spell.
Aurelien Choameni
Aurelien Choameny could move on after recent events (Image: Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
Recent events at the Bernabéu could mean Aurélien Choameny will be put up for sale soon. The Frenchman had been linked to Chelsea for years before he was sent to hospital after an altercation with Real captain Federico Valverde at the training ground.
Each player was fined a record €500,000 (£434,000) for smearing their real names. And if Los Blancos choose to let go of one of their stars to solve their problems, it makes sense that captain Valverde would be the priority to keep at Madrid.
With the recent emergence of the talented trio of Enzo Fernandes, Moises Caicedo and Andrei Santos, central midfield is no longer Chelsea’s most pressing concern. However, with Fernandes nodding towards a possible departure in March and Romeo Lavia’s well-documented fitness woes, adding another high-flying player to the engine room looks like a wise move.
The fact that Choameni only has two years left on his contract, combined with the recent controversy, could give Chelsea an advantage in terms of signing the player at a discount. The 26-year-old has been a regular in Real’s midfield under Alonso and his successor Alvaro Arbeloa, suggesting the Blues could sign him if he is deemed expendable this summer.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+ and Ultimate TV packages
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundles to include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, plus 135 channels and complete coverage of the Premier League and EFL from Sky.
Sky has over 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more, with at least 215 of those live from the top flight, along with F1, darts and golf.
David Alaba
Chelsea’s backline has not changed at all since Thiago Silva left the club in 2024. Similarly, David Alaba could be the experienced and authoritative presence needed to guide and reinvigorate the club’s young defensive talent this summer.
The Austrian will turn 34 in June, and his contract expires in the same month, making him available on a free transfer. And although injuries have kept him out of action in recent seasons, he could still be well worth earning a contract if he can maintain his fitness.
The likes of Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Josh Achiampong and Mamadou Sarre could benefit from Alaba’s defensive wisdom. Needless to say, veterans can be of great benefit by helping certain players re-discipline and impart their expertise on staying calm under pressure.
Gonzalo Garcia
There are already reports that Gonzalo García will be sold this summer (Image: Antonio Villalba/Real Madrid via Getty Images)
Still, Madrid’s breakthrough campaign could end with Gonzalo García leaving Real this summer. Los Blancos are unlikely to be chosen to replace Kylian Mbappe as their first-choice striker, according to reports, as they hope to capitalize on the player’s growing reputation.
Coincidentally, Garcia scored the first goal of the Alonso era for Real during last year’s FIFA Club World Cup. The 22-year-old has since made 36 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing three assists, but only started 13 of them.
Liam Delap’s experiment is yet to bear fruit at Stamford Bridge after a disappointing debut season in west London. And, apart from Joao Pedro, who would probably flourish better with a centre-forward, Chelsea look a little short on attacking options.
Just as Julian Alvarez left Manchester City after feeling an insurmountable obstacle for Erling Haaland, Garcia may choose to leave Real in search of more regular first-team football. Chelsea could be lucky to land a young talent who has shown world-class production over the past 12 months.
