Xabi Alonso is just over a month away from signing in as the new Chelsea manager, and this time will be spent deciding which Blues players he wants in his squad for next season.
There will be a nervous wait to see if any big names depart the club, with Barcelona chief Deco flying to England to discuss signing Joao Pedro.
Chelsea have told their former player that Pedro is not for sale, and he is one of a handful of players who Alonso sees as untouchable.
Who has been Chelsea’s biggest underperformer this season? ⬇️
Players of Chelsea form a huddle
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea discussing ending Kendry Paez’s loan move early
With the summer transfer window set to open soon, there will also be an ambition to see which new players can make an impact, as well as those who spent last season on loan.
One player who fits that bill is Kendry Paez, who former manager Liam Rosenior described as a ‘remarkable’ talent.
River Plate v San Lorenzo - Torneo Apertura 2026
Photo by Juan Manuel Baez/NurPhoto via Getty Images
He spent the second half of last season on loan at River Plate following time at Strasbourg, with that spell currently set to come to an end at the end of 2026.
However, Ben Jacobs has claimed that Chelsea are now discussing bringing that loan to an end early in the coming weeks.
He said: “Meetings will take place in the coming weeks to discuss whether to cut short Kendry Paez’s River Plate loan. No decision taken yet, but understand it will be discussed this summer even though the loan runs until the end of the year.”
What is a fair price for Joao Pedro? 🔮
He cost £60m a year ago…
Paez’s nightmare 2025/26 season
Paez spent the start of the season on loan at fellow BlueCo club Strasbourg, but disappointed with his performances and conduct off the pitch.
A change of scenery was the best case for scenario, but now he is hardly starting games for River Plate in Argentina.
Paez has seen injuries start to impact his game too, and is so far not living up to the promise he showed when the Blues completed a deal to sign him.
The Ecuador international was put on par with Estevao Willian when deals were agreed, but it is clear the Brazilian has overtaken his fellow South American by some way.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox