Chelsea are expected to make a number of signings this summer under Xabi Alonso as they look to bounce back from a disappointing season
Xabi Alonso could oversee a dramatic transformation of Chelsea’s midfield this summer with £180million worth of new faces potentially arriving. Former British record signing Enzo Fernandez may also be heading for the Stamford Bridge exit door.
The west London outfit are currently nursing their wounds following a deeply disappointing campaign. Chelsea will be absent from European football next season after finishing 10th in the Premier League, a period that saw both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior lose their positions at the helm.
It will be former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid manager Alonso who takes charge in July. The Spaniard will be determined to propel his new side back towards the upper echelons of the top flight.
With Fernandez appearing increasingly likely to depart, Chelsea’s core could be on the verge of a significant overhaul. football.london examines two standout targets, both England internationals, who could complete the club’s dream midfield setup.
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
It has emerged that Argentine star Fernandez has told Chelsea of his desire to leave, just three years after the club splashed out a then-record £106m to bring him to west London.
The 25-year-old finished runner-up in the club’s player of the season award and contributed 15 goals throughout the campaign. Should he depart, with his reported asking price exceeding £100m, filling his boots will prove no easy task.
Under Alonso’s stewardship, Chelsea are anticipated to deploy a 3-4-2-1 system, featuring a double pivot in midfield alongside two attacking playmakers. The club would ideally need to bring in two fresh midfield options if they lose Fernandez.
Moises Caicedo , secured for £115m in 2023, remains indispensable in the engine room and is perfectly suited to Alonso’s right-sided, more defensive pivot role. This position demands counter-pressing capabilities and a physical, ball-winning presence in the centre of the park.
The Blues also have Cole Palmer at their disposal, who, despite being overlooked for England’s World Cup squad and struggling through a challenging campaign, should retain his place in the first team.
He is capable of operating as the right-sided No. 10, given freedom to drift, exploit spaces and fashion opportunities. In the transfer market, therefore, two fresh additions are required: one to partner the double pivot and another, a more direct, powerful attacking No. 10.
Adam Wharton and Morgan Rogers would be ideal candidates. Wharton, who has impressed at Crystal Palace, could depart Selhurst Park this summer for a reported £80m and is attracting significant interest.
However, Chelsea should make every effort to secure his signature, as he is tailor-made for Alonso’s philosophy. At Bayer Leverkusen, Granit Xhaka excelled in this left-footed deep-lying playmaker role, unlocking passing lanes and controlling the rhythm.
Wharton is perfectly suited to the position and would integrate seamlessly alongside Caicedo. Rogers would then complete this ideal midfield setup at Stamford Bridge.
The Aston Villa star, who is currently on international duty with England for World Cup 2026, played a pivotal role in guiding his side to Europa League glory this season and has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most exciting young talents.
The 23-year-old is also said to be on Arsenal’s wishlist, but could offer Alonso a dynamic, direct inside forward alongside international colleague Palmer. While he reportedly carries a price tag in excess of £100m, this would likely pose little obstacle should Fernandez be offloaded.
Squad depth is well catered for, with player of the season Joao Pedro capable of slotting into a deeper No. 10 role, while Estevao and Pedro Neto can provide an injection of pace from the bench. In the pivot, Romeo Lavia and Andrey Santos represent dependable back-up options.
Chelsea’s dream midfield: Wharton, Caicedo; Rogers, Palmer.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
