Xabi Alonso's first transfer window at Chelsea looks set to be a busy one with a deal already agreed and two other signings targeted
17:35, 20 May 2026
Xabi Alonso
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Chelsea look to have already identified three summer transfers for new boss Xabi Alonso(Image: (Photo by Jose Luis Contreras/NurPhoto via Getty Images))
Chelsea are gearing up for a big summer transfer window under Xabi Alonso with two priorities emerging and one deal already agreed. The Spaniard was appointed last Sunday and officially starts his role in just under six weeks, though transfer decisions are likely already being made.
The Blues need to strengthen in a number of positions ahead of the 2026/27 season with the profile of signing they want emerging. According to The Athletic, the priority is to bring in proven talent with two starting-calibre players targeted.
Former head coach Enzo Maresca wanted to add experience at centre-back but the focus remained on other positions.
Over the coming months, it certainly looks as though that will now be the case with the club looking to add Premier League proven players to their squad, football.london understands.
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The top priorities in west London are a new left-sided winger, centre-back and central midfielder. Since the BlueCo takeover, younger players with high ceilings have been targeted and while they do not plan to completely deviate from that strategy, some changes will be made.
The first apparent signing of the Alonso era somewhat fits into both of those categories with an agreement in place for 21-year-old Valentin Barco, formerly of Brighton, to join from Strasbourg.
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He confirmed his exit from the French club earlier this week in an emotional statement and, according to TyCSports, the former Boca Juniors and Sevilla man is poised to make the switch to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea's wish to sign elite-level players could be impacted by their final position in the Premier League table with Tuesday's results impacting that significantly.
Chelsea players celebrate
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Chelsea took a big step toward European football by beating Spurs on Tuesday(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
Despite a 2-1 win over Tottenham, qualifying for next season's Champions League is no longer possible following AFC Bournemouth's draw against Manchester City.
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The Blues face another straight shoot-out for European football on the final day as they travel to Sunderland, who currently sit one point behind Chelsea.
Assuming Brentford don't beat Liverpool at Anfield, the winner of that clash at the Stadium of Light will be in either the Europa League or Conference League with seventh-placed Brighton also firmly in the race.
Bournemouth are the clear favourites to finish sixth and if they finish there, that will be enough to qualify for the Champions League but only if Aston Villa win the Europa League.