Xabi Alonso might not take office until July 1, but there is no doubt the Chelsea gaffer will be working behind the scenes on potential signings. One addition could really rub salt in Liverpool’s wounds.
It is a month until Alonso assumes the role as Chelsea manager and replaces Liam Rosenior. Alonso has put pen to paper on a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge, and his first game comes in Australia.
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Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus holding medal
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But ahead of the clash against Western Sydney Wanderers on July 28, plenty of surgery on his inherited squad is likely to have taken place. One priority for Alonso is likely to be the signing of a senior winger.
Chelsea could go into next season with three teenage wingers in Jesse Derry, Estevao and Geovany Quenda, while Alejandro Garnacho is not much older. A player like Jarrod Bowen might make sense.
Xabi Alonso signing Jarrod Bowen will really hurt Liverpool
Relegated with West Ham, England star Bowen has been linked with Chelsea. According to the Independent this weekend, Chelsea are seriously interested in Bowen and are confident of a bargain.
There is a belief that Chelsea can get the former Hull City star, despite his deep-rooted family link with the Hammers, for just £40m. Not only will such a deal hurt West Ham, but it would also hurt Liverpool.
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Liverpool have been strongly linked with Bowen for years, and for a whole lot more than £40m. To many, he has long been seen as Mo Salah’s replacement, and with Salah now leaving, Bowen is a target.
But Chelsea signing Bowen will not only annoy Liverpool fans because they are missing out on a cheap deal for the winger, but also because it will be Alonso getting one over his former side.
Bowen or Leao? Which should Chelsea sign this summer?
Amid the reports that Chelsea are interested in Bowen, Rafael Leao has made it clear he will be leaving Milan this summer. A long-term Blues target, Leao’s agents have offered their client to Chelsea.
Reports say that Leao, who is now 27, can be signed for as little as £43m. So, who should Chelsea sign? In Bowen, Chelsea would be getting a leader, proven in the Premier League and able to play both sides.
DISCUSS: Jarrod Bowen is a better signing than Rafael Leao…
Chelsea have been linked with both this summer.
He knows what it takes to play for a London club in the Premier League and understands the rivalry. But at 29, he is now firmly in his peak years; Leao is just entering them. Leao has a bit more magic about him.
That’s not to say Bowen isn’t, but Leao has that superstar quality. With more than 50 caps to his name and Champions League experience, Chelsea have a decision to make. Bowen or Leao?
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