Chelsea pulled off a major coup by appointing Xabi Alonso as the manager. BlueCo deserve credit for that. They have done well to convince the Spaniard that Stamford Bridge is the place to be. That must not have been easy after how the Blues have done over the past few seasons, and how things have turned out for their previous head coaches.
In fact, Alonso is going to be the club’s sixth permanent manager in four years under BlueCo ownership. Frank Lampard and Calum McFarlane had some lengthy interim spells as well, on top of that.
So, things have not gone well for those in the Chelsea hot seat. Alonso will need to change that. And it looks like there are three signings that he can expect to be made this summer. Obviously, there could be more depending on the situation.
According to the Mirror, Chelsea will be targeting a centre-back, a midfielder and a left-sided winger this summer. Other areas of the squad could also come under scrutiny as Chelsea look to give Alonso the tools that he needs to succeed at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea want to make signings in three positions at least
It is not hard to see why a centre-back is on the wish list for Chelsea. They have struggled in defence this season. And other than Levi Colwill, none of their current options might be good enough to start.
Also, if Alonso decides to go with three at the back, that could further complicate things. But in that scenario, the likes of Jorrel Hato and Reece James might be good enough to fill one of the spots. At least one centre-back addition is needed this summer though.
Midfield is another area in need of reinforcements. This will be especially true if Enzo Fernandez does end up leaving, as is the expectation.
But then, would the club look for a like-for-like replacement? Or would they look for a more physical profile and try to change the dynamic in the middle of the park?
Thirdly, it looks like a winger remains on the radar for Chelsea. That is a role they have never really been able to fulfil since Eden Hazard left.
They signed Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens last summer. But neither seems to be good enough to succeed at Chelsea.
Which players could Chelsea try to sign this summer?
Chelsea have been linked with a variety of players in all of those positions. In defence, names like Jan Paul van Hecke and Maxence Lacroix have been suggested. But they could look for someone not playing in England.
Joel Ordonez of Club Brugge is someone who is believed to be on their radar. For many, Alessandro Bastoni could be the dream target and seems to be available for the right offer.
In midfield, it is hard to guess who Chelsea could go for unless we know the profile they want. Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes have both been linked recently.
On the other hand, Valentin Barco is set to join as well. Would he go down as the ‘one midfielder’ Chelsea want to sign this summer? Or would they still want another one, as the decision to bring in the Argentine had been reached before Alonso’s arrival?
Thirdly, it is the spot on the wing. Signing one will not be simple. It is a difficult position to get right. There have even been suggestions that they could look for a hybrid option. Someone who can play on the flank and in the number 10 role.
Morgan Rogers is the first name that comes to mind but is also drawing interest from other top clubs. Kenan Yildiz would be the dream target for many in this position.