Xabi Alonso isn’t set to begin his new role as Chelsea manager until the start of next month, but he seems to have already drawn a line in the sand at Stamford Bridge.
Xabi Alonso appears to have begun preparing for life in the dugout without Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella. The new Blues manager isn’t set to get his feet under the table at Cobham training ground until the start of next month, but, eager to hit the ground running, he’s already established who he wants to build his team around.
football.london understands that Alonso will work closely with the Chelsea board this summer. It’s said that he and the sporting directors are aligned on the areas of the squad that need improving, with a centre-back, central midfielder and left-sided winger among the top priorities.
The Blues are also hopeful of keeping big names at Stamford Bridge, too. According to The Athletic, the club have drawn up a list of ‘untouchables’ in the squad, which includes Reece James, Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Levi Colwill, Estevao Willian, Joao Pedro and Josh Acheampong.
Although Fernandez was omitted from the list in the report, football.london understands that Chelsea want to keep him, but won’t stand in his way if they receive an offer worth £120million. Meanwhile, the Blues are not actively looking to sell Cucurella, though they would also be willing to part ways should the right offer arrive.
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So, with the duo facing somewhat uncertain futures at Stamford Bridge, football.london has looked at how Alonso could rebuild the Chelsea starting lineup around the seven ‘untouchables’.
Chelsea wonderkid replaces Sanchez
Robert Sanchez and Mike Penders look set to battle it out for a place in the starting lineup next season. The latter could be a breath of fresh air between the sticks, and mature into the world-class goalkeeper that the Blues have been looking for ever since Thibaut Courtois left eight years ago.
Alonso signs Cucurella replacement
With Cucurella facing a somewhat uncertain future and Jorrel Hato more so a centre-back than a full-back, Chelsea need to sign a new left-back. Alvaro Carreras was a key player for Alonso at Real Madrid and could bring the athleticism and quality the Blues need.
The 23-year-old defender, whom Los Blancos only signed from Benfica for £43m last summer, featured in all but three games under the new Chelsea boss. With Jose Mourinho expected to lead a rebuild at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, the Blues should monitor Carreras’ situation.
Fernandez leaves big shoes to fill
Fernandez will leave big shoes to fill at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are in no position to throw their weight around this summer, but Alonso might be able to prise Exequiel Palacios from Bayer Leverkusen, where he remains two years on from winning the Bundesliga unbeaten.
The 27-year-old midfielder, who’s valued at just £22m by Transfermarkt, would be a formidable stopgap addition until the Blues qualify for the Champions League. Not only would Palacios bring some much-needed experience and quality, but he would also arrive with knowledge of the new manager’s philosophy.
Garnacho and Gittens axed
Unsurprisingly, Alonso reportedly views neither Alejandro Garnacho nor Jamie Gittens as ‘untouchable’. Chelsea need to sign a world-class, or at least close to world-class, left winger this summer, and Rafael Leao wouldn’t be a bad realistic option.
The 26-year-old, who’s valued at £43m by Transfermarkt, recently announced that he wants to leave AC Milan, and the Blues shouldn’t think twice about testing the waters. He may not have offered much out of possession for the Italian giants, but he’s an excellent ball-carrier with an eye for goal, who could explode in the Premier League.
Alonso faces formation dilemma
Until Alonso walks through the doors at Cobham training ground next month, it’s unclear what formation he’ll deploy. That said, assuming the Spaniard builds his team around the ‘untouchables’, he appears to be leaning towards a back-four, with James more of a full-back than a wing-back.
In a back-four: Mike Penders (return from loan at Strasbourg); Reece James, Josh Acheampong, Levi Colwill, Alvaro Carreras (from Real Madrid); Moises Caicedo, Exequiel Palacios (from Bayer Leverkusen); Estevao Willian, Cole Palmer, Rafael Leao (from AC Milan), Joao Pedro.
In a back-three: Mike Penders (return from loan at Strasbourg); Reece James, Josh Acheampong, Levi Colwill, Jorrel Hato, Alvaro Carreras (from Real Madrid); Moises Caicedo, Exequiel Palacios (from Bayer Leverkusen); Estevao Willian, Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro.
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