With Xabi Alonso set to take the helm at Chelsea, Fabrizio Romano has let the supporters know what signing they can expect this summer.
Chelsea’s squad is shaping up for a new era under newly appointed manager Xabi Alonso. Business was previously completed with the permanent addition of Emanuel Emegha, alongside Valentino Barco.
Meanwhile, a massive wave of returning loanees, including Axel Disasi, Nicolas Jackson, David Datro Fofana, Tyrique George, and Aaron Anselmino, will immediately report back to Cobham.
The main focus for Alonso will be trimming the squad size, building around a core of players such as Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo, and establishing an identity.
Has Cole Palmer been wronged? Or is it just deserved for his poor form?🤔
Thomas Tuchel explains Cole Palmer snub from England's World Cup squad
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Chelsea to sign a centre-back this summer
In a YouTube video from Fabrizio Romano, he claims that
“Chelsea will definitely sign a centre-back this summer.”
Chelsea’s centre-back situation is a focal point ahead of Xabi Alonso’s arrival. While Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana offer potential, defensive fragility has plagued the Blues.
So it makes sense to go out and add in that area, especially if it’s a defender that can bring a sense of calmness and experience to the fold.
Are you taking Thiago Silva back at Chelsea? If so, in what capacity?🤔
Chelsea legend Thiago Silva leaves Porto and is now a free agent
Photo by Pedro Loureiro/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Chelsea centre-back targets
With Xabi Alonso prioritising defensive solidarity and experience, Chelsea are aggressively evaluating several centre-back targets.
At the top of the wishlist is Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, who offers the Premier League experience the Blues are looking for. As well as that, Nottingham Forest’s Murillo and Bournemouth’s impending free agent Marcos Senesi.
Additionally, Chelsea retain a strong, long-standing interest in Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande and Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke, but there’s no clear winner at this stage.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox