This summer transfer window is going to be one of the most important in Chelsea’s history. They have pulled off a coup by appointing Xabi Alonso as manager. But now, it is about giving him the proper backing. Otherwise, it won’t take long for all the excitement to turn into unhappiness.
There are a number of positions across the pitch where Chelsea need to strengthen. One can only hope that proven quality and experience will be brought in this time rather than focusing on just youth and potential.
There are a number of players who appear to be on Chelsea’s radar going into the summer transfer window. At least that is what the media outlets are suggesting at this point in time.
Could Rafael Leao finally end up at Stamford Bridge?
Leao was being linked with a move to Chelsea before the BlueCo takeover even happened. But, he has always remained at AC Milan.
His role in the team has changed though. He has gone from the face of AC Milan to someone who is just playing a role, and arguably not even his preferred one.
Leao has openly talked about eyeing a new challenge this summer. So, Chelsea might have the chance to sign him. And it has even been claimed that AC Milan would be open to a €50 million offer, which is a fraction of what they wanted at his peak transfer valuation.
Chelsea looking to sign Jarrod Bowen after West Ham United’s relegation
Chelsea were always going to keep an eye on the relegation race. Two of their London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United were involved.
Of course, there is the rivalry factor in that. But at the same time, Chelsea would also be looking at potential opportunities to sign players for bargain fees as a result of getting dropped down to the Championship.
Jarrod Bowen has quickly emerged as someone whom Chelsea supposedly want to sign this summer. And it has been suggested that West Ham United are under pressure to let a few of their players go in order to deal with the financial pressure of being relegated from the Premier League.
Reports suggest that West Ham United would want around £50 million for the winger who has had 21 goal contributions or more in five straight seasons. On the other hand, interested clubs could be looking to get a deal done at around £40 million.
Could Xabi Alonso reunite with Arda Guler?
One would imagine that there is a good chance of those first two moves happening this summer, whether it is Chelsea or somewhere else they end up.
But the links to Arda Guler do seem a bit far-fetched if you ask me. Yes, there is a connection with Alonso there.
That being said, it is hard to imagine that Real Madrid would be open to letting Guler leave at this point in his career.
Sourav Mahanty
Sourav Mahanty has covered teams like Chelsea, Celtic, Real Madrid, Manchester United, PSG and more over a career that has now lasted a decade. His work has been featured on Sports Illustrated, Athlon Sports, SB Nation, FanSided, The Sportster and aggregated through Bleacher Report and NewsNow. Outside of football, he is also interested in basketball, cricket and professional wrestling.
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