Xabi Alonso has told Chelsea to make a blockbuster move to sign Liverpool star Florian Wirtz this summer, according to Football Insider.
The Spanish coach has signed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge to officially take over as manager from July 1st, and has already begun plans to strengthen the squad this summer after the Blues missed out on European football entirely.
Wirtz made a move to Anfield last summer in a then-British record deal from Bayer Leverkusen worth £116m, having shone under Alonso in the Bundesliga, but struggled in his first campaign in England, and now Alonso wants to be reunited with him.
Alonso Tells Chelsea to Sign Florian Wirtz
Liverpool's Florian Wirtz with his hands on his hips
Wirtz, who signed a five-year deal worth £245,000-a-week, managed just seven goals and six assists in all competitions this season, but that hasn't put Chelsea off showing a strong interest in the Germany international.
According to the report, Liverpool would be open to letting the 23-year-old move on after just 12 months for the right deal, although it is expected that they would deny this publicly.
Alonso is the manager who has been credited with helping develop Wirtz into one of the best and most exciting playmakers in Europe during their time together in Germany, and he believes he could help him recapture that form at Stamford Bridge.
Wirtz is desperate to prove himself in England after a poor first season, and it's reported that he could push for a move away from Anfield should Arne Slot keep his job at Liverpool.
The Dutchman is expected to keep his job heading into the new season, but he is under immense pressure after a poor second season in charge, with fans and some players publicly against him.
Liverpool Bonkers to Sell Wirtz
Liverpool's Florian Wirtz rubs his head.
There's no doubting that Wirtz struggled in his first season at Liverpool, but there weren't many players who had a good season for them this year, and that is likely to have played a big part in his poor showings.
Should the club turn it around next season, the expectation would be that he is a big part of that. His talent is undeniable, and he has the quality to make a difference. So Liverpool considering letting him go would be absolutely bonkers, and especially to a rival such as Chelsea.
The Blues would be a great landing spot for him with Alonso at the helm, and the likes of Cole Palmer, Estevao, and Joao Pedro around him, so it makes sense that they're interested. But Liverpool shouldn't even entertain the idea.
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