Chelsea are currently on the hunt for a new manager to step in next season, after a disappointing campaign saw both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior sacked during this campaign.
The Blues look set to miss out on Champions League football, and potentially European football entirely, as a result of that poor season, but that hasn't stopped them from aiming for a top manager to come into the dugout, with positive talks held with former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso.
With the Spaniard seen as the top choice for the role, plans are also underway for the upcoming transfer window, and GIVEMESPORT has taken a look at what his ideal starting lineup for the first game of the 2026/27 campaign could look like.
Goalkeeper and Defence
marcos senesi
Chelsea are expected to target a number of positions this summer, and it's understood that they are keen to bring in some Premier League experience to help their young squad.
But they won't completely abandon their policy of signing younger players, and reports suggest they could look at a deal for Man City goalkeeper James Trafford to finally stabilise the number one position amid concerns over Filip Jorgensen and Robert Sanchez in recent campaigns. A deal worth around £30m could be enough, with City having paid less last summer, and Trafford keen on a move to play more regularly.
The defence is likely to see some changes, however,and a more experienced option such as Marcos Senesi has been targeted on a free transfer, with the expectation being that the Argentine will leave the Vitality Stadium on a free transfer.
Alonso is unlikely to make wholesale changes outside of that, with Reece James, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella all key players, and among the best options in their position in the Premier League.
Midfield Could See Changes
Enzo Fernandez
The midfield is an area where Chelsea are currently well-stacked, with Moises Caicedo penning a new long-term contract at Stamford Bridge recently to commit his future to the club.
He will no doubt be one of the first names on the teamsheet, but his partner is up for debate. Enzo Fernandez will undoubtedly be a regular starter should he stay, but after being suspended by the club for talking about a transfer back in March, a move away looks on the cards, with Real Madrid interested. Man City are also said to be eyeing a move, and Arsenal have been linked with a move for the World Cup winner.
Should he be sold, the Blues would have money to spend to replace him, and could make a move for Bournemouth star Alex Scott following a hugely impressive campaign. The Englishman is being looked at by a number of clubs, and while the Cherries are keen to keep him, it's reported that £50m could be enough to tempt them.
Ahead of the duo, superstar playmaker Cole Palmer is likely to be the man selected to start in the number ten role under Alonso, as a key player. That's despite speculation that he could be on the move away, amid big interest from Manchester United.
Garnacho and Neto Facing the Axe
Alejandro Garnacho
Alonso has regularly been against use natural wingers in his teams, with the likes of Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, and Callum Hudson-Odoi struggling to make an impact.
That could see the likes of Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho sidelined at Stamford Bridge, and with the west London club having a huge, long-standing interest in Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, the club could look to push for an £80m move to bring him into the club.
On the opposite flank, Brazilian sensation Estevao is likely to continue as a major player in the side, with his talent undeniable, and Alonso someone who enjoys developing younger talent. Geovany Quenda is also set to join the club from Sporting CP, and he should compete for a place in the side too.
Up front, Liam Delap's future may be a concern, while the club have already agreed a deal for Emmanuel Emegha to join from sister-club Strasbourg. But despite that, Joao Pedro's form as a central striker this season is enough evidence that the Brazilian should keep his place in the side, with Alonso likely to be a fan of the way he drops deep to link play, and of his technical qualities.
Chelsea Dream XI under Alonso
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