Xabi Alonso does not begin his role as Chelsea manager until the start of next month and the Spaniard is preparing for a busy summer at Cobham
Xabi Alonso was present at Chelsea’s training centre in Cobham earlier this week, alongside the coaching staff he is bringing with him, as he looks to familiarise himself with the set-up at his new home.
The 44-year-old will begin his role as Blues manager on July 1 but he and his trusted backroom staff, including the likes of Sebastian Parrilla, Alberto Encinas, Benat Labaien and Ismael Camenforte Lopez, wanted to familiarise themselves with what will be their new place of work for the foreseeable future.
Alonso and Co met staff members at Cobham on what was the unofficial start of their journey together earlier this week. The journey to Surrey was not transfer-related, sources insist, but there is constant dialogue between Alonso and the sporting leadership team on the club’s plans in this summer’s window.
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Chelsea are looking to sign a player in three key areas in the coming months, including centre-back, central midfield and left wing. On top of this, there are set to be a number of departures from Stamford Bridge when the summer transfer window officially opens in less than two weeks’ time.
Enzo Fernandez wishes to depart the club and Chelsea will not stand in the Argentine’s way, as long as they receive an £120million offer for the midfielder. Sources close to the Blues insist the club are not actively looking to sell Fernandez but are aware of Real Madrid’s interest in the 25-year-old midfielder.
It is a similar situation with Marc Cucurella. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have both been credited with an interest in the Spain international, who wishes to leave the Blues this summer, and the west Londoners will not stand in his way should the right offer come in.
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