Chelsea weigh centre-back options as Alonso to assess Jackson
Chelsea are in talks over a £50m midfielder likened to N’Golo Kante as they plan for Alonso’s first window and potential Enzo Fernandez exit.
Kyle Walker names Eden Hazard as his toughest opponent, recalling the Chelsea winger’s decisive goals, including the strike that denied Spurs the title, amid criticism of Chelsea’s current wingers.
João Pedro stays in London training for a possible Brazil call-up amid Neymar’s injury. Chelsea set a €120m price, cooling Barcelona links after a 20-goal season, signalling he is set to remain at Stamford Bridge.
Desailly touts Darwin Nunez as Chelsea’s focal point under Alonso, but concerns over wages and erratic finishing make the move a risky, likely unfeasible option.
Ludovic Giuly says Chelsea would have hired Didier Deschamps if Monaco had won the 2004 Champions League final. Mourinho’s Porto won 3-0, and Mourinho instead took the Stamford Bridge job.
Xabi Alonso plans to assess Nicolas Jackson in pre-season after his Bayern loan. Despite past exile under Maresca, the 24-year-old could restart his Chelsea career if he impresses on return.
Liverpool sacked Arne Slot and target Andoni Iraola for a more aggressive style, viewing Xabi Alonso’s possession game at Chelsea as not fitting their DNA. Alonso begins at Stamford Bridge on 1 July.
Chelsea admire Ibrahima Konate but will not move as Bayern and PSG lead the chase. Alonso wants two centre-backs, with Levi Colwill set to stay, so alternatives like Jan Paul van Hecke may be targeted.
Chelsea scouted Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller but have ruled out a £60m move over concerns about pace and physicality. With Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia uncertain, midfield reinforcements are still sought.
Marcel Desailly urges Chelsea to re-sign Mohamed Salah, citing experience, but the move is argued as ill-fitting with Chelsea’s wage structure and pathway for young wingers.
Chelsea have pre-agreed five signings: Emegha and Barco from Strasbourg, winger Geovany Quenda, left-back Denner and prospect Dastan Satpaev, as Alonso seeks to blend youth with needed experience.
Enzo Fernandez wants to leave Chelsea, with Real Madrid his preference. Chelsea expect him back for pre-season and want over £107m. Xabi Alonso hopes to keep him but a sale near £120m could fund rebuild.
Chelsea consider Liam Delap and Emanuel Emegha as striker options alongside Joao Pedro, leaving Alonso to trim an overcrowded attack that could also feature Jackson, Marc Guiu and possible new targets.
Chelsea join Manchester City and Newcastle in scouting Denmark U17 captain Mikkel Bro Hansen. The 17-year-old Bodø/Glimt striker has 12 U17 goals in 14 games and is attracting broad European interest.
