Chelsea assess Xabi Alonso as BlueCo widen manager checks
Argentina name a 55-man provisional World Cup squad including Chelsea’s Alejandro Garnacho, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Lautaro Martinez and Lionel Messi.
Speculative piece outlines Alonso’s potential Chelsea XI featuring Adam Wharton and a Real Madrid player in a new system if he is appointed.
Fabrizio Romano says Chelsea deem 24-year-old Joao Pedro ‘untouchable’ after 20 goals and 9 assists, blocking Barcelona interest despite potential €80-100m fee.
Chelsea assess Xabi Alonso for head coach after Rosenior sacking. Ornstein says talks are exploratory, with Andoni Iraola also in frame. Alonso won a Bundesliga-DFB-Pokal double with Leverkusen in 2024.
Casemiro hails ex-Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic as an ‘unbelievable player’, praising his Chelsea honours and impact despite rotation at Manchester City.
Chelsea target James Trafford, valued around £27m, says he idolised Petr Cech and once sought his autograph as links grow over a new No 1 at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea and Liverpool monitor Sporting’s Francisco Trincao, who has 6 goals and 11 assists in Primeira Liga. A €60m (£52m) release clause could decide any move.
Bayern will not trigger £54m option for loaned striker Nicolas Jackson. Juventus consider a loan, with Milan, Fenerbahce and Al Ahli also keen. Chelsea may await new manager before deciding.
FA Cup win and Europa League cash would not fix Chelsea’s UEFA settlement. Expert warns big player sales needed after £253m loss, with talk of possible ban and no loopholes to dodge rules.
Joao Pedro says Arsenal’s Gabriel is toughest opponent, praising his pace, strength and positioning. Chelsea once tracked Gabriel at Lille and lack a dominant centre-back of his mould.
Estevao Willian misses Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad after a hamstring tear v Manchester United. Carlo Ancelotti opts against risking him, with Chelsea preferring surgery earlier.
Report claims Arsenal would consider selling Ethan Nwaneri for about £52m, with Chelsea and Aston Villa sounded out as his camp gauge interest.
Ex-Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, linked with Man City and Serie A jobs, says he is preparing for next steps and ‘we’ll see what happens’ regarding interest.
Strasbourg boss Gary O’Neill criticises January recruitment, calling for ‘two top strikers’, adding pressure on BlueCo as Chelsea fans plan further protests.
Wesley Fofana urges BlueCo to keep Enzo Fernandez after key goals vs Leeds and Liverpool. Fernandez is tied to 2032, with reports of a new deal, but Real Madrid and Man City interest persists.
BlueCo conduct checks on Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and ex-Flamengo boss Filipe Luis for the Chelsea job, seeking top-level and Premier League know-how amid a wider shortlist.
