Chelsea are ready to appoint their new manager, according to reports.
The Blues are looking for a new head coach this summer after going through two permanent managers during the 2025/26 campaign.
Enzo Maresca started the season in the dugout, but was sacked in January to be replaced by Liam Rosenior at the helm, having moved to west London from the Blueco-owned Strasbourg in France.
However, Rosenior did not last long, following a string of poor performances and reports of dressing room unrest.
Chelsea preparing for FA Cup final
Calum McFarlane
Callum McFarlane is now in his second spell as caretaker manager and will guide the Blues in the FA Cup final against Manchester City on Saturday afternoon.
He will not get the job full-time, however, with the likes of Xabi Alonso and Andoni Iraola heavily linked with the hotseat at Stamford Bridge.
And according to fresh reports, a deal that would see Alonso become the new permanent manager in west London has been agreed.
According to Teamtalk, Alonso has agreed a deal in principle to become the new Blues head coach, doing so after making a concession over the club's transfer activity this summer.
Alonso emerged as the standout candidate for the job last week, with GIVEMESPORT senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs revealing: "Chelsea have held positive talks with the former Real Madrid and Leverkusen coach, who is open to a move to the Premier League."
Alonso is available after leaving Real Madrid in January, following a disappointing spell in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, his reputation, earned with an incredible spell in charge of Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the double with a remarkable unbeaten season, has not been tarnished and the Chelsea hierarchy believe he is the right man for the job in west London.
Alonso described as one of the best in the world
Xabi Alonso and Arne Slot
Xabi Alonso and Arne Slot
When appointing Alonso, Real Madrid released a statement saying: "Alonso is one of the biggest legends of Real Madrid and world football. He defended our shirt in 236 official games between 2009 and 2014. He won six titles during this time: the 10th European Cup in Lisbon, one European Super Cup, one league title, two Spanish Cups and one Spanish Super Cup.
"Now he's returning to Real Madrid as one of the best coaches in the world after making history with Bayer Leverkusen."
Chelsea want to confirm a deal before the end of the month, ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer of transfer activity.
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