Caretaker head coach Calum McFarlane will take charge of Chelsea for the final time when they visit Sunderland on Sunday.
The Englishman has been in charge of the Blues since Liam Rosenior was sacked last month, but he will be replaced this summer by former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso.
The west London outfit currently sit eighth in the Premier League table and could still qualify for either the Europa League or UEFA Conference League, or miss out on Europe completely.
Ahead of their visit to The Stadium of Light, it has emerged that Chelsea’s new boss is eyeing a move for a player from one of their closest neighbours.
As per German outlet FussballDaten, via CaughtOffside, Alonso is keen to add Brentford forward Igor Thiago to his squad this summer.
The report from Germany claims that the Spaniard is a huge admirer of the 24-year-old and is keen to sign him during the upcoming transfer window.
Thiago joined the Bees from Belgian side Club Brugge in 2024 but was plagued by injuries during his debut season in England.
Thiago has emerged as a target for Chelsea (Photo: PA/Alamy)
This season, however, the Brazilian has scored 22 Premier League goals for Keith Andrews’ side, a number bettered only by Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland.
It is claimed that Chelsea are keen to add a premium striker to their ranks this summer, with Liam Delap having struggled during his first season at Stamford Bridge.
Thiago has been identified by those in charge of the Blues’ recruitment as a player capable of supporting Joao Pedro, the report suggests.
The Brazil international – who is part of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for this summer’s World Cup in the United States – is said to be keen on the idea of a move to a bigger club and could therefore be tempted by a move to SW6.