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Xabi Alonso has emerged as a leading contender to become Chelsea’s new manager, with positive talks already held and the Spaniard open to a Premier League move.
The 44-year-old is currently out of work after leaving Real Madrid in January but remains highly regarded following his Bundesliga title success with Bayer Leverkusen.
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Alonso has also been linked with Liverpool, although the club’s owners, FSG, continue to back Arne Slot. Chelsea are now advancing discussions as they look to appoint a successor to Liam Rosenior before the World Cup.
The London club are assessing a shortlist of five to six candidates and have made contact with several representatives.
Under their current ownership, Chelsea are keen to take a more measured approach, prioritising experience and a proven track record at the highest level.
Alonso is currently viewed as the standout option, though other candidates remain under consideration. These include Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth and Marco Silva of Fulham
Additional names being monitored include Oliver Glasner of Crystal Palace, Cesc Fabregas of Como, and former Flamengo boss Felipe Luis.
Alonso is reportedly yet to make a final decision and is stalling on any definitive commitment to Chelsea as he waits to see whether a vacancy opens up at Anfield.
According to Sky Sports, Xabi Alonso’s dream job is to manage Liverpool, but there is currently no vacancy at Anfield. The former Liverpool midfielder is keen to work in the Premier League and would consider the Chelsea role under the right circumstances.
Meanwhile, frustration is growing among Liverpool supporters following a difficult season under Arne Slot. Despite that, the Dutchman retains the backing of the club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, even with Alonso potentially preparing for a return to management.
Boos greeted the final whistle of Liverpool’s tepid draw with Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday, reflecting growing discontent among supporters.
A major summer rebuild now looms, with Mohamed Salah set to depart and reinforcements required across several areas of the squad.
Arne Slot, meanwhile, remains convinced he can win over supporters if Liverpool deliver the summer transfer window he expects. “Yeah, I do [think I can win the fans back],” he said.
“Not this season, by the way. This season they will have their opinion and it will not change but if we can have the summer that we are planning to have, I am 100 percent convinced we will be a different team next season than we are now.
“Different in terms of results, different in how things look. It’s not always that simple because sometimes you know what you have to do but it’s not always possible to get exactly what you want.”