West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen is the latest player to be linked with a move to Chelsea after the Hammers were relegated from the Premier League, and Xabi Alonso is already a fan.
One of Alonso’s priorities this summer is expected to be the signing of a new winger. While Chelsea have plenty of options out wide, they lack experience in the final third and a senior signing is being targeted.
DISCUSS: Jarrod Bowen is a better signing than Rafael Leao…
Chelsea have been linked with both this summer.
AC Milan star Rafael Leao has been offered to Chelsea in the last few days, after the 52-time Portugal ace told reporters he wants to leave the San Siro this summer. But Bowen is also being linked with Chelsea.
At 29, Bowen represents proven Premier League quality and leadership skills, as West Ham captain. He fits the bill in terms of what BlueCo want to do this summer, with Chelsea confident of doing a £40m deal.
Xabi Alonso is already a big fan of West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen
During Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten domestic campaign at Bayer Leverkusen in 2023-24, the German side faced West Ham in the Europa League quarter-finals. Leverkusen would win the tie 3-1 on aggregate.
West Ham United v Arsenal - Premier League
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
But ahead of the match, speaking to TNT Sports, Alonso was asked about the difficulties of facing Bowen. He explained how good the England star is in transition, amid the noise Chelsea could now sign Bowen.
“He’s one of the top players for sure, not just in terms of goals but as well, he’s a real threat in their transitions in the last third, he has a great foot, he’s one of the top players in the English squad.”
Jarrod Bowen fits the bill for Chelsea, the ideal signing
When Alonso does take office on July 1, he will have six wingers at his disposal. Without Europe, that number will need to be reduced, but it also needs to be improved in terms of experience and quality.
Jesse Derry, Geovany Quenda and Estevao all remain in their teenage years. Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens are likely to be allowed to leave, though if they remain, they are also incredibly young.
What is Xabi Alonso’s number one priority as soon as he walks through those doors?🤔
Xabi Alonso's priority as Chelsea manager
Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Pedro Neto is the only recognised winger with some level of experience to his name, and he has hardly been the best example in terms of temperament or form for Chelsea’s young gems to learn from.
Chelsea need an experienced winger who knows what it takes to shine both domestically in the Premier League, and on the European stage. Bowen is just that and at £40m, he would be a bargain addition.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox