It will be very interesting to see how Chelsea go about their summer transfer window. With Xabi Alonso expected to have a say on signings, the fans are hoping for a change in their policy. The BlueCo model has been given four years to work and has proven to be a failure. Now, it is time to move away from it and try something different.
It has been repeated time and again that Chelsea will look to sign experienced and Premier League-proven players this summer. And it looks like they have someone on their radar who would fit that criteria.
Several weeks back, it was reported that Chelsea had their eyes on the relegation race. West Ham United ended up getting the drop while Tottenham Hotspur finished 17th again. And now, the Blues will be looking to take advantage and sign one of the Hammers’ key players.
According to the Independent, Chelsea are weighing up a move for Jarrod Bowen. West Ham United would want about £50 million, but it is believed that competing clubs will try and get a deal done for £40 million.
What Xabi Alonso has said about Jarrod Bowen in the past
Obviously, Alonso’s opinion on players is expected to play a part in shaping Chelsea’s transfer policy this summer. And if past comments are anything to go by, he rates Bowen pretty highly.
According to Metro back in 2024, Alonso had said regarding Bowen when his Bayer Leverkusen side got the better of West Ham United in the Europa League:
‘We know the physicality of West Ham. They also have amazing players like Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta.’
So, Alonso is familiar with Bowen and even went as far as describing him as ‘amazing’ just a couple of years back. So, it should not come as a surprise if Chelsea do end up making a move for him.
Of course, there is going to be competition from other clubs. Also, Bowen’s comments after the relegation did suggest that he could stick around at West Ham and try to get them back into the Premier League.
Bowen could be a brilliant signing for Chelsea
It is believed that West Ham United are under pressure to part ways with some of their players after being relegated to the Championship. As a result, a Bowen exit cannot be ruled out, even if he wants to stay.
Bowen has been brilliant for West Ham United over the years. In the past five campaigns, he has never put up fewer than 21 goal contributions in a single season. On two occasions, he had more than 30 to his name.
Even this season, Bowen was able to contribute with regular goals and assists. Unfortunately for West Ham, it was not enough to avoid relegation.
Someone with that sort of output as well as experience and Premier League-proven quality could be an excellent signing for Chelsea. Now, it remains to be seen if they make their move or not.