Chelsea are set for yet another new era during the 2026/27 campaign, as Xabi Alonso will lead the side and gain his first taste as a Premier League manager.
The Spaniard’s arrival on a four-year contract could see a change in strategy from the hierarchy, who have previously invested heavily in young and inexperienced prospects.
However, the 44-year-old’s history of winning titles will be at the forefront of the supporters’ minds as the club aim to end their decade-long hunt for a top-division trophy.
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso before the match
Despite the huge funds spent at Stamford Bridge over recent seasons, Alonso will no doubt want various additions to help increase his chances of immediate success.
Numerous players have already been linked with a summer switch to West London, including multiple players with bags of experience at the very top level of European football.
Chelsea ramping up move to sign European star this summer
Over the last couple of days, Strasbourg star Valentin Barco has emerged as the latest player linked with a huge summer move to join Chelsea and Alonso’s new project.
It’s been reported that the 22-year-old has already agreed a six-year deal with the Blues ahead of a possible transfer to Stamford Bridge when the window opens.
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The Argentine midfielder has also posted a goodbye message to supporters of the Ligue 1 outfit, which has only fuelled the speculation over his potential departure.
Barco isn’t the only midfielder currently in the hierarchy’s sights this summer, with departing Manchester City star Bernardo Silva also emerging as a shock target.
According to reports in Spain via Sport Witness, the Blues are ramping up a move for the Portuguese international, who’s confirmed he will be leaving the Etihad at the end of his current contract.
The report states that Alonso’s side have expressed an interest in the player to his entourage and that they are prepared to offer the 31-year-old a contract to remain in the Premier League with his agent currently trying to generate interest.
It remains unclear whether the player will want to remain in England, as Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan are also keen on clinching his signature this summer.
Why Silva would wipe the floor with Enzo at Chelsea
Chelsea’s heavy spending in recent years can’t be understated, as seen by the £106.8m deal to land midfielder Enzo Fernández from Benfica back in January 2023.
Enzo Fernandez
Such a deal was a record for an English club at the time, which no doubt placed huge expectations on the 25-year-old to produce the goods in West London.
The Argentine has certainly done just that in recent months, as seen by his tally of 10 goals and four assists in the Premier League - narrowly missing out on the POTY award to João Pedro this term.
His latest strike secured bragging rights for the Blues over local rivals Tottenham Hotspur - as his long-range effort helped secure a 2-1 win on Tuesday night.
Enzo’s efforts have led to huge rumours over a potential move to Real Madrid this summer, with the player himself even speaking about the interest - leading to a two-game club-imposed suspension.
Alonso’s arrival could keep the midfielder on the books past the summer window, but should he depart, a move for Silva could hand the Spaniard a better option.
The City star has spent the last nine years starring under Pep Guardiola, subsequently winning six league titles and in the words of the great Spaniard, becoming "one of the best players in Europe."
Bernardo Silva - Man City trophies
Competition
Premier League
EFL Cup
FA Cup
Community Shield
Champions League
UEFA Super Cup
Club World Cup
He’s subsequently transformed his game from being a winger to a superb deep-lying option, with his stats this season demonstrating the elite-level quality he possesses.
Silva has completed 90% of the passes he’s attempted this campaign, whilst also registering 1.9 chances per 90 - with both ranking him in the top 5% of all midfielders in England’s top-flight this term.
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His quality in possession is up there with some of the very best, with content creator Joe Thomlinson previously claiming he’s the “best creative midfielder in the world”.
The Portuguese international’s subsequent tallies undoubtedly reflect such a comment, with his stats also better than those produced by current Chelsea star, Enzo.
Silva’s quality across the pitch is further reflected in his impressive tally of 83.7 touches per 90 - often being the pace setter and playmaker within Guardiola’s system at the Etihad.
However, without the ball, he’s also developed into a top-class operator, subsequently registering 8.1 defensive contributions per 90 - a tally also higher than Enzo’s.
At 31, the midfielder is currently in the prime years of his professional career, with Alonso a manager who can certainly get the best out of the magician for many years to come.
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His experience and consistency in the Premier League club prove vital for the Blues and the new boss as they attempt to end their drought without a league title.
Any deal could see Enzo struggle to maintain his starting role into next season, with the potential switch to Spain only further increasing the chance of him being away from Alonso’s plans in 2026/27.
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