When it comes to Chelsea, nothing is ever straightforward. As things stand, the Blues are pursuing a move for Xabi Alonso while Andoni Iraola remains a possibility – but there is a new development.
This week, it has emerged that Alonso is clearly BlueCo’s choice to take over at Chelsea. The Spaniard is without a club and has been since his Real Madrid exit in January. It is claimed Alonso is keen to join.
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Cesc Fabregas and Xabi Alonso for Chelsea manager
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Even Chelsea’s players are believed to be in favour of the club appointing Alonso. The former Liverpool midfielder might be hoping for a move to Anfield, but it appears the Reds are sticking with Arne Slot.
Alonso is the front-runner, then, while Iraola and Marco Silva continue to remain as options with the Blues also holding talks for both Premier League managers. Now, an ‘interesting dynamic’ has emerged.
Alonso and Iraola share the same agent in Chelsea talks
According to TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, Alonso and Iraola are both represented by the same agent. It appears the Blues are speaking to both managers, but dealing with the same representatives currently.
A tricky dynamic, not least for Chelsea but for the agency looking after both Alonso and Iraola. According to TransferMarkt, Iraola and Alonso are looked after by IDUB Global, who also represent Ernesto Valverde.
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Discussing Chelsea’s managerial pursuit on TalkSPORT this week, Crook told Jim White that Chelsea are speaking to different managers but are actually dealing with the same agency, in IDUB Global.
“Xabi Alonso and Andoni Iraola, the two main targets for Chelsea – maybe, you can put Marco Silva on that list, too – they share the same agent which is a really interesting dynamic in this recruitment process.”
Chelsea have set a deadline in appointing their next manager
Just this week, it was claimed that Alonso is stalling a deal to become the next Chelsea manager because he is hoping Liverpool sack Slot. All indications suggest, at this stage, that Slot is remaining at Anfield.
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Chelsea have made it clear they want a new manager by the middle of next month. The Blues want a new gaffer in place in time for the pre-season tour of Asia and Australia, as well as helping with transfers.
Indeed, Chelsea’s first pre-season fixture is scheduled to take place on July 28 against Western Sydney Wanderers. It is likely to be a weakened side lacking Chelsea’s World Cup stars, but a gaffer will be hired.
Whether that is Alonso, and Chelsea can carefully work alongside the same agency looking after both Alonso and Iraola, remains to be seen. But as things stand, Alonso looks the most likely to sign on.
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