21 May 2026 16:06 BST |
4 min read
Xabi Alonso has responded to reports suggesting that Joao Pedro, Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella could all leave Chelsea this summer.
The Spaniard was appointed as Chelsea’s new permanent manager last week and he will officially start his duties at Stamford Bridge on 1 July as the club look to recover from a hugely disappointing 2025-26 campaign.
The Blues head into the final Premier League fixture of the season without the possibility of qualifying for the Champions League and they could still mathematically finish in the bottom-half of the table if they lose to Sunderland, Brentford draw against Liverpool and Newcastle United beat Fulham by a significant margin.
The Chelsea hierarchy are expected to cede some control to Alonso in the transfer market this summer and widespread reports have indicated that ready-made stars are set to arrive in west London before the start of next season as the Blues look to rectify their recent errors.
However, a number of their most important players have been linked with exits over the past few months, with Fernandez wanted by Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid interested in Cucurella and Pedro on Barcelona’s radar.
Both Fernandez and Cucurella have hinted they could look to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, while rumours that Pedro could depart have ramped up in recent weeks, with Barca wanting to bring him to Camp Nou following confirmation that Robert Lewandowski is leaving on a Bosman deal.
In fact, Spanish outlet AS claim that Barcelona sporting director Deco met with Pedro’s representatives in London last week as they ramp up their pursuit of his signature.
It’s reported that Pedro is “very keen” to join Hansi Flick’s side, but a deal remains unlikely to be finalised due to the finances that would be involved and the fact that Chelsea have no intention of selling the Brazilian after just one season at the club.
Xabi Alonso responds to Joao Pedro transfer speculation
Asked by Spanish outlet El Chiringuito TV about rumoured interest in Fernandez, Cucurella and Pedro, Alonso simply said: “That’s football. We’ll make a good team.”
He added: “I was always open to it, and, well, it’s a beautiful project. Chelsea is a nice project, it’s a very good option.”
Alonso has become the first ‘manager’ to be appointed by Chelsea since Jose Mourinho’s second spell at the club and it’s reported that he will be an influential figure in discussions over the Blues’ business in the market this summer.
The likes of Morgan Rogers, Jan Paul van Hecke and Iliman Ndiaye have all been linked with a Stamford Bridge switch, while players such as Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Tyrique George and Alejandro Garnacho are among those likely to be sold.
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