Xabi Alonso plans to bolster some key positions in this Chelsea team after being named Blues boss.
It is going to be a busy summer for Alonso, who officially begins work at Cobham on 1 July. It has been a disappointing season for Chelsea, so reinforcements will be expected in the upcoming transfer window.
It has already been reported that Alonso wants to make up to five signings, though some areas may be prioritised over others.
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Xabi Alonso wants a new striker, goalkeeper and centre-back
According to CaughtOffside, Alonso is giving priority to three positions at Chelsea: striker, goalkeeper and centre-back.
Right now, Joao Pedro is Chelsea’s first-choice centre-forward, and he has had an excellent season at Stamford Bridge.
In 49 appearances, the 24-year-old has scored 20 goals. However, he has not had sufficient cover and is attracting significant interest from Barcelona.
Earlier this month, it was claimed that Barcelona’s sporting director Deco is working on bringing Pedro to the Camp Nou.
In goal, Robert Sanchez has not always been reliable this term, none of Chelsea’s centre-backs have been fully convincing either. Levi Colwill has looked sharp in the couple of games he has started since returning from an ACL injury, but there are question marks surrounding the team’s other centre-halves.
Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray celebrates
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Victor Osimhen is Chelsea’s ‘top target’ for No.9 position
In terms of a new striker coming in, CaughtOffside’s report claims that Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen is Chelsea’s “top target”.
People close to Osimhen can see him joining Chelsea this summer, and the Nigerian would be a welcome addition if he does move to Stamford Bridge.
There is no doubt that Osimhen would add goals to this Chelsea side after scoring 22 times this season. The 27-year-old is playing in Turkey right now, but he also had a good track record in Italy.
Things could depend on what happens with Pedro, but whether the Brazilian stays at Chelsea or not, another centre-forward may be needed after Liam Delap’s struggles.
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