Chelsea are set for a busy summer transfer window as Xabi Alonso looks to overhaul his squad
05:30, 28 May 2026
Xabi Alonso
View 3 Images
Xabi Alonso is set to take charge of Chelsea(Image: AFP7, Getty Images)
Chelsea are braced for a fascinating summer transfer window as the club embark on yet another new chapter. Xabi Alonso has been handed the task of turning the team's fortunes around and will officially begin his tenure on July 1.
The west London outfit slumped to 10th in the Premier League, falling short of European qualification. While the season proved a considerable disappointment, the lack of European commitments will afford former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid boss Alonso more time to instil his philosophy on the training ground.
Chelsea have been extraordinarily busy in the transfer market in recent seasons and could once again reshape their squad. The incoming manager is already set to welcome forwards Geovany Quenda and Emmanuel Emegha following deals struck last year, with further high-profile signings anticipated as the summer progresses.
Meanwhile, Alonso may look to move on some of Chelsea's underperforming players as he gears up for his first season at the helm. Here, football.london examines how Chelsea's dream attacking line-up could look next campaign.
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
West Ham United skipper Jarrod Bowen has emerged as a Chelsea transfer target ahead of the summer window. The Guardian reports that the Blues are among several clubs monitoring the 29-year-old, who could be made available to help the Hammers generate funds following their relegation from the Premier League.
Bowen scored nine goals and registered 11 assists in a struggling side this season. He could slot into the right flank of Chelsea's attack, providing experienced competition for Estevao, who demonstrated his promise during his maiden campaign at Stamford Bridge.
The 19-year-old will need to grow accustomed to competing for his position and could begin the season below Bowen in the hierarchy. However, the Brazil international should still be ahead of Geovany Quenda, as the Portugal U21 international prepares to arrive from Sporting CP.
Signing Bowen would see Pedro Neto deployed in a left-wing role and could ultimately result in Alejandro Garnacho leaving the club. The former Manchester United star endured a difficult debut campaign and the Mirror has reported that Chelsea are already prepared to part ways with the 21-year-old.
Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United
View 3 Images
Jarrod Bowen has consistently been a star player for West Ham United(Image: Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Neto registered 10 goals and 10 assists this season and warrants retaining his place under Alonso. Competing with the 26-year-old on the left would be Jamie Gittens, who will be looking to make a more significant impression under the new manager.
Cole Palmer remains the cornerstone of Chelsea's team in attacking midfield. The England international may not have enjoyed his finest season after contending with injuries but Alonso will back himself to extract the best from Palmer.
In terms of strikers, Chelsea have been linked with Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi following his impressive breakthrough campaign. The Daily Mail reports that the Cherries are reluctant to part with the 19-year-old, who they believe could develop into a £100m striker, suggesting it may require a substantial fee for the Blues to secure their man.
Eli Jnior Kroupi of Bournemouth
View 3 Images
Kroupi was prolific for Bournemouth this season(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Kroupi netted 13 league goals this season and is widely expected to continue his upward trajectory as he settles into English football. This could see him start the forthcoming campaign ahead of Joao Pedro, who claimed Chelsea's player of the season award after contributing 20 goals across all competitions but is attracting interest from Barcelona.
The club can offset some of their transfer spending by selling Nicolas Jackson. The striker spent the season on loan at Bayern Munich, netting 11 times, and the 24-year-old would attract no shortage of interested parties.
Incoming Strasbourg captain Emmanuel Emegha provides additional options at centre-forward, despite the Dutchman enduring a disrupted campaign through injury. Meanwhile, Liam Delap may find regular first-team minutes hard to come by and could benefit from a Premier League loan spell to stake his claim under Alonso.
Chelsea's dream attack: Bowen, Palmer, Neto, Kroupi.
Article continues below
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
£44
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.