17 May 2026 17:06 BST |
4 min read
Xabi Alonso has reportedly made his first transfer demand to Chelsea after being appointed their new manager, with his sights set on solving a major long-term problem.
Alonso was announced as Chelsea’s new manager on Sunday and signed a four-year deal, with a belief that the 44-year-old will be given more say in transfers than any other previous boss in the BlueCo regime.
In particular, the Daily Mail have alleged that Chelsea want to sign ‘up to three ready-made players’ and sell those they consider surplus to requirements, with Alonso at the heart of those decisions.
And one of those ‘ready-made’ players could be in goal, where The Sun report that Chelsea are ‘preparing’ a bid to sign Robin Roefs from Sunderland after an impressive debut campaign.
The Dutchman is said to be valued at £50 million (€57.3m) and would represent a long-term replacement for Robert Sanchez, who has seemingly failed to convince Chelsea of his credentials after three inconsistent seasons at Stamford Bridge.
Reports in Italy have also claimed that Chelsea could revive their interest in Milan shotstopper Mike Maignan after failing to sign him last summer, suggesting that a goalkeeper could indeed be Alonso’s top priority going into his new job.
Alonso pushing for experience at Chelsea with goalkeeper shakeup planned
Chelsea have often rotated between Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen in goal this season but neither goalkeeper has proven to be a standout option and it is likely that at least one is sold this summer.
The Blues also have youngster Mike Penders returning from his loan at affiliate club Strasbourg, having been touted by former boss Liam Rosenior as the long-term answer to Chelsea’s goalkeeper struggles.
While it remains to be seen how the club handles Penders’ return, the links to Roefs and Maignan suggests that Alonso may prefer a more proven option in goal in order for Chelsea to move away from their policy of investing in raw youngsters.
At more than €50m, a move for Roefs would be surprising, however Maignan could emerge as an option despite signing a new five-year contract in January.
Chelsea have held a long-term interest in Maignan and tried to sign him last summer before negotiations with Milan collapsed but a move could be explored this year if Alonso believes the Frenchman to be the right solution in goal.
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