Chelsea line up three transfers for Alonso as Blues look to raise £230m in sales
In typical Chelsea fashion, the weekend proved hectic on the transfer front. On Saturday afternoon, a rumour began circulating on social media: Chelsea were pursuing Granit Xhaka. On the surface, it appears logical. Xabi Alonso worked alongside Xhaka during their time together at Bayer Leverkusen - with the Swiss midfielder instrumental in the German side's historic 2023/24 campaign. It also stands to reason given Chelsea sources indicated a few months back that the Blues' recruitment approach was due to shift this summer.
Throughout BlueCo's tenure at Stamford Bridge, the ownership group's transfer policy has been predominantly youth-focused but an adjustment was required. Chelsea are now targeting players described by sources as 'ready-made' while also monitoring young prospects from across the globe. Xhaka undoubtedly fits the ready-made profile. Sources verified there was interest, though Stamford Bridge insiders were astonished by some of the figures being bandied about online.
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With Xhaka turning 34 this year, a source suggested that, should Chelsea make an approach, it would be for considerably less than the sums being circulated.
And so it transpired. Roughly 24 hours later, Chelsea submitted an £8million bid for Xhaka - one that Sunderland swiftly rejected. Sources close to the Black Cats were surprised by the sum the west Londoners tabled. Sunderland remain adamant that Xhaka is not for sale and will refuse to entertain any additional bids.
Nevertheless, Chelsea appear undeterred by their resolute position. The former Arsenal midfielder is understood to be enthusiastic about linking up with Alonso once more, though he still has two years left to run on his deal at the Stadium of Light.
Chelsea have also set their sights on Rayo Vallecano defender Pep Chavarria. Following the completion of a deal worth close to £52m with Real Madrid to take Marc Cucurella to the Bernabeu earlier this month, the Blues are searching for additional defensive reinforcements, particularly at full-back.
Chavarria features on the west Londoners' radar, but sources maintain he would not serve as a direct replacement for Cucurella. Alonso values the 28-year-old defender's adaptability – his ability to operate as both a left back and wing back – with the incoming Chelsea boss frequently flexible in his tactical approach.
Jorrel Hato is poised to assume a significant role for Chelsea next season. The Netherlands international endured a sluggish introduction to life at Stamford Bridge during his maiden campaign but flourished in the latter half of the season.
Capable of playing as the left-sided centre-back, in addition to left-back, Hato is expected to become one of Alonso's preferred options next term.
Sources close to Chelsea expressed their satisfaction with the 20-year-old Dutchman's progress in west London and anticipate his trajectory will continue during his second campaign at the club. Chelsea are continuing negotiations with Crystal Palace regarding defender Maxence Lacroix.
The Blues have identified the France international as their No.1 defensive target this summer and lodged a formal enquiry last week.
Lacroix is believed to be open to a move across the capital, yet the two clubs are yet to reach any agreement. Indeed, at the time of writing, sources maintain that Chelsea have not yet submitted an official bid for the 26-year-old defender.
The situation remains highly fluid, however, and developments could come at any moment.
Manchester City are eyeing a move for Malo Gusto this summer, with Enzo Maresca eager to reunite with the Chelsea right-back. Gusto is reportedly weighing up his options in the transfer market, with the Blues placing a hefty £75m price tag on the France international.
Chelsea will not stand in Gusto's way should that valuation be met. Trevoh Chalobah, meanwhile, carries a price tag of £35m (potentially £30m plus £5m in add-ons) this summer, according to sources. Serie A side Como are strongly pursuing the Cobham academy product, while Inter Milan are also monitoring the situation closely.
Enzo Fernandez, who may have slipped to the back of Chelsea supporters' minds amid everything else currently unfolding at Stamford Bridge, continues to attract interest from Real Madrid.
Los Blancos have identified the Argentina international as their No.1 midfield target this summer, with sources anticipating the Spanish giants, now led by former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, to make their move at some stage. Chelsea are prepared to do business if a bid in the region of £120m lands on their desk this summer.
Fernandez is keen on a move to the Bernabeu, with personal terms unlikely to pose any significant obstacle.