Xabi Alonso could attract some big names to Stamford Bridge this summer as Chelsea look to bolster the squad.
13:50, 25 May 2026
Kylian Mbappe #9 of Real Madrid C. F. talks with Xabi Alonso, Head Coach of Real Madrid C.F., during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between Real Madrid CF and Juventus FC at Hard Rock Stadium on July 01, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida
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Kylian Mbappe and Xabi Alonso last summer(Image: Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Chelsea have been tipped to sign Kylian Mbappe this summer. Xabi Alonso, who has signed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge, will begin his role as Blues manager on July 1, giving him and the sporting leadership team more than enough time to devise a recruitment strategy ahead of the transfer window.
Mbappe worked closely with the 44-year-old at Real Madrid, scoring 30 goals and providing five assists in just 28 games across all competitions. When Alonso stepped down as head coach of Los Blancos earlier this year, the 27-year-old described him as a 'pleasure' to work with, on and off the pitch.
Mbappe thanked the new Chelsea boss for filling him with confidence 'since day one' and wished him well for the future. Towards the end of the season, with Alvaro Arbeloa in charge on a temporary basis, the France international fell out of favour, claiming he's the 'fourth-choice' striker.
With Mbappe facing a somewhat uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabeu, Andy Brassell tipped Chelsea to secure his signature. Speaking to talkSPORT, the European football expert laid out the perfect transfer window for Alonso.
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Brassell said: "They need experience. There's no doubt about that. He's [Alonso] so good at developing young players. He needs experience as well. Bear in mind that key players from his time at Leverkusen, where he was so incredibly successful, include Granit Xhaka, who did a brilliant job for them.
"And Robert Andrich, who was already there. If you can combine experience and a new top-class goalkeeper, I think most Chelsea fans would say that's the first one you've got to go and get. For me, it's Gregor Kobel of Borussia Dortmund.
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"He's a senior player, a great leader and just one of the very best goalkeepers in the world. So, I think for me, he's a shoo-in. The defence definitely needs work. I think in terms of that middle place between experience and youth, I wonder whether Alessandro Bastoni would be the one."
The European football expert added: "We know that he's likely to leave Inter this summer. Barcelona would like him, but I doubt they really have the money. He's composed, adaptable, good on the ball, good at bringing it out.
"Works in a back three, which is very much Xabi Alonso's jam, as we know. At 27, I do think he has that blend of experience, but a big future ahead of him at the same time. Third one, I'm going to go there, Kylian Mbappe."
Kylian Mbappe and Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid
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Kylian Mbappe and Xabi Alonso(Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto)
When Alonso penned a four-year deal with Chelsea, he outlined his ambition to 'build the right culture and win trophies'. Four months on from leaving Real Madrid, the new Blues manager said: "Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football, and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club.
"From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies.
"There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club, and it will be my great honour to lead it. Now the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies."
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