Xabi Alonso’s summer transfer plans have been dealt an immediate curveball, as one of Chelsea’s transfer targets could soon be off the market.
Xabi Alonso’s priority this summer remains a Premier League-experienced centre-back to fortify a fragile backline that leaked far too many soft goals last season.
Additionally, the Chelsea hierarchy remains desperate to secure a clinical striker and a commanding central midfielder to establish total control in the middle of the pitch.
However, pulling off these deals will be severely throttled by a tightening financial vice. Following a staggering £262.4m pre-tax loss and a massive £10.75m Premier League fine for historical accounting breaches, Chelsea are walking a dangerous tightrope with Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Because of these deep constraints, Alonso may have to wave goodbye to some of his star men.
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Brentford submit a bid for Said El Mala
Brentford have submitted an offer worth €45m (€40m fixed + €5m add-ons) to 1. FC Köln for Chelsea target Said El Mala.
Interestingly, it has been claimed that Chelsea were ready to sign El Mala after meeting with him back in March, but nothing has developed up until this point.
El Mala is a player that Chelsea have been hunting since Enzo Maresca was at the club, and it’s not hard to see why, given his potential.
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Said El Mala’s season to date
Said El Mala has enjoyed an astonishing, breakout individual season in the Bundesliga, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most coveted 19-year-old attacking talents.
Despite playing for a struggling 1. FC Köln side, the dual-footed winger featured in all 34 league matches, netting an incredible 13 goals and providing five assists.
His clinical form even saw him become the second-youngest player in Köln history to reach double digits in a top-flight campaign, drawing high-profile praise after scoring a spectacular solo goal against Bayern Munich.
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