With Xabi Alonso appointed and the Spaniard given the title ‘manager’, it is expected the new gaffer will have a big say on transfers. There is one player Chelsea are scouting that he knows well.
BlueCo’s decision to appoint its first manager since arriving in 2022 is significant. The four previous bosses appointed by Chelsea have all been given the title ‘head coach’, with BlueCo still running things.
It’s going to be a big summer for Xabi Alonso and Chelsea!
Xabi Alonso graphic
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Now, Alonso is expected to wield more power at Chelsea than his predecessors. Some of that power will be on the players that come and go at Stamford Bridge this summer, with Chelsea facing a key window.
Plenty are expected to leave Chelsea this summer, given the bloated nature of the squad, especially if the Blues fail to qualify for Europe. But one summer target is likely to get the seal of approval from Alonso.
Chelsea are scouting Real Sociedad star Ander Barrenetxea
According to TeamTalk, Chelsea are among the clubs scouting Real Sociedad talent Ander Barrenetxea. The 24-year-old has earned comparisons with Antoine Griezmann in Spain due to his technical ability.
Coming through the Sociedad academy, Barrenetxea has had a hand in nine goals in 34 games for the Spanish side this season. Able to play on both flanks, he’s already played 234 times for the La Liga club.
Real Sociedad v Getafe CF - LaLiga EA Sports
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The report claims Chelsea have been scouting the one-time Spain star all season and a price tag is set. Clubs will have to pay £65m to land the winger, with Sociedad requesting the release clause to sell him.
What may tempt Alonso, is that he will know Barrenetxea well. Alonso returned to his old club to manage the B team in 2019, with Barrenetxea playing for the second string in the second half of 2018-19.
Alonso never actually got the chance to use him, given he was promoted to the senior side ahead of the 2019-20 season, but Alonso will be very aware of the winger’s development having been so close to it.
DISCUSS: Robert Lewandowski on a free transfer
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Which other clubs want to sign Ander Barrenetxea?
The favourites to land the Sociedad winger are likely to be Aston Villa. Unai Emery’s influence on Spanish players is extensive and the Midlands club will be in next season’s Champions League, currently in fourth.
Villa are very interested and are pursuing a deal for the winger, who could be in Spain’s World Cup squad this summer. But Arsenal, Chelsea, Man United and Tottenham have all scouted the Spaniard this season.
Talent spotters at all five clubs have been left impressed with the Sociedad talent. The lure of Champions League football at three of the five clubs interested is tempting, but Alonso’s presence may change that.
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