Xabi Alonso appointed as new manager of Chelsea Football Club (Image: Getty)
In typical Chelsea fashion, it was a busy weekend on the transfer front. Rumors began circulating on social media Saturday afternoon. It was said that Chelsea were chasing Granit Xhaka. On the surface, it seems logical. Xabi Alonso worked alongside Xhaka during his time at Bayer Leverkusen and the Swiss midfielder contributed to the German team’s historic 2023/24 season. It is also unsurprising given that Chelsea officials had suggested a few months ago that the Blues’ recruitment approach was set to change this summer.
Throughout BlueCo’s tenure at Stamford Bridge, the ownership group’s transfer policy has focused primarily on youth, but adjustments needed to be made. Chelsea are currently targeting a player described by sources as “ready to play”, while also monitoring young prospects from around the world. Xhaka definitely fits the ready-made profile. Sources confirmed there was interest, but Stamford Bridge insiders said they were surprised by some of the people making noise online.
As Xhaka turns 34 this year, one source suggested that if Chelsea were to make an approach, the fee would be significantly lower than the announced price.
And it happened. Around 24 hours later, Chelsea submitted an £8m bid for Xhaka, which Sunderland immediately rejected. Sources close to the Black Cats said they were surprised by the amount the west Londoner was offering. Sunderland are adamant Xhaka is not for sale and will reject further bids.
Despite this, Chelsea appear undaunted by their resolute position. The former Arsenal midfielder still has two years left on his contract at the Stadium of Light but is understood to be keen to team up with Alonso again.
Chelsea are also keeping an eye on Rayo Vallecano defender Pep Chavarria. The Blues are looking for additional defensive reinforcements, particularly at full-back, following the completion of a nearly £52m deal with Real Madrid to bring Marc Cucurella to the Bernabéu earlier this month.
Chavarria has attracted the attention of the West Londoners, but sources insist he will not be a direct replacement for Cucurella. Alonso has praised the 28-year-old defender’s adaptability – his ability to function as both a left-back and a wing-back – and Chelsea’s next manager is often flexible in his tactical approach.
Jorel Hato is ready to play a key role at Chelsea next season. The Dutch international endured a slump at Stamford Bridge during his first season, but blossomed in the second half of the season.
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Chelsea want to sign Granit Xhaka from Sunderland (Image: Getty)
Hato, who can play as a left-sided centre-back as well as a left-back, is expected to be one of Alonso’s preferred options next season.
Those close to Chelsea have expressed satisfaction with the 20-year-old Dutchman’s progress in west London and expect his trajectory to continue during his second season at the club. Chelsea are continuing negotiations with Crystal Palace regarding defender Maxence Lacroix.
The Blues named the France international as their No. 1 defensive target this summer and last week lodged a formal investigation.
Lacroix is thought to be open to a move in the capital, but the two clubs have yet to reach an agreement. In fact, at the time of writing, sources claim that Chelsea have yet to make a formal offer for the 26-year-old defender.
However, the situation remains very fluid and developments can occur at any time.
Rayo Vallecano’s Pep Chavarria targeted by Chelsea (Image: Getty)
Manchester City are eyeing a move for Maro Gusto this summer, with Enzo Maresca keen to reunite with Chelsea’s right-back. Gusto is reportedly considering his options in the transfer market, with the Blues putting a hefty £75m price tag on the France international.
If this assessment is met, Chelsea will not stand in Gusto’s way. Meanwhile, sources have reported that Trevo Chalovar will be available for a transfer fee of £35m this summer (£30m plus a potential £5m in add-ons). Serie A side Como are keen to pursue the Cobham academy player, with Inter Milan also monitoring the situation closely.
Amid all the current events at Stamford Bridge, Enzo Fernandes may have faded to the back of Chelsea supporters’ minds, but he continues to attract interest from Real Madrid.
Los Blancos have identified the Argentina international as their number one midfield target this summer, with sources expecting former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho’s Spanish giants to make a move at some stage. Chelsea are prepared to make a deal this summer if a bid of around £120m is made.
Fernandes is keen to move to the Bernabéu and personal conditions are unlikely to be a major hindrance.
