Xabi Alonso has asked Chelsea for defensive reinforcements if he is to take over as the new permanent manager at Stamford Bridge.
Alonso is near the top of Chelsea’s list when it comes to candidates to be the replacement for Liam Rosenior, after Calum McFarlane’s interim spell comes to an end.
Chelsea have been impressed by Alonso in early talks, and while they insist they are keeping their options open in an attempt to make sure they come to the right decision.
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Xabi Alonso wants Chelsea to sign two new centre-backs
During talks, it appears future transfers has been a topic of conversation, including some of the signings the potential new manager would want.
Simon Phillips has claimed that while Alonso is not making any unreasonable demands, he does believe the club need two new centre-backs in the first team squad.
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He said: “We’ve been told that Alonso is not ‘asking for the keys’ at Chelsea or making any major demands. He is just seeking assurances around recruitment this summer, especially the back line. Alonso believes Chelsea need to add TWO new centre backs, and he wants to make sure that will be addressed as a priority.”
The demand is not too dissimilar to Enzo Maresca’s desperate plea for a new centre-back when Levi Colwill suffered a serious knee injury at the start of the club’s pre-season campaign.
The Blues chiefs told him to make do with what he had available to him, and the exact same scenario could prove a crucial part in their negotiations with Alonso.
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Potential candidates for new Chelsea centre-backs
The Blues can look to their favourite buying spot, Brighton, to help solve their centre-back woes and work around Colwill.
Jan Paul van Hecke has been targeted by the club, and he can boast Premier League experience that the club so desperately need.
Nathan Ake has also been linked with the club, which would be a return to Stamford Bridge after coming through as an academy star.
There are also a number of young options which the incoming manager may instantly take a liking to. Josh Acheampong and Mamadou Sarr are both being tipped for a big future.
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