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Xabi Alonso's first Chelsea signing is already at Cobham

1 Jun 2026 18:32 BST | 4 min read

Xabi Alonso, Chelsea

Tom Weber

Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

Chelsea are exploring the market for potential goalkeeper options, and they have now taken a liking to young Stade Reims star Ewen Jaouen.

The Blues are keen to wipe the slate clean this summer, with the appointment of Xabi Alonso signalling a vastly different approach to the Chelsea project and the club's summer business.

As far as the players are concerned, there will be all to play for in pre-season as Alonso is set to be given the power and influence to make some big personnel calls. One such decision could come in the goalkeeper department.

Compared to his first few seasons at Stamford Bridge, Robert Sanchez was not as much of a liability in the campaign just gone, but most would agree that Chelsea can do better than the Spaniard. Alonso seems to think so, too, with reports suggesting that he wants a new No.1.

It is thought that Mike Penders, who is gearing up for his first proper season as a Chelsea player, will compete with and potentially supplant Sanchez. Meanwhile, Filip Jorgensen is desperate to leave the club in search of regular game time.

Chelsea to sign Jaouen?

The departure of Jorgensen may necessitate the signing of a replacement. It is also unclear if Sanchez is willing to just sit on the bench should he lose the battle with Penders. He may also request to leave before the summer window slams shut.

All of that is to say that it would not be a surprise if Chelsea were to dip into the market for a new goalkeeper this summer. They were recently linked with Mike Maignan, who is considering his AC Milan future after they missed out on Champions League qualification.

Ewen Jaouen

The Blues attempted to sign the France international this time last year, only to baulk at Milan's asking price. Maignan eventually signed a new contract with the Rossoneri when it looked as though Champions League football was all but guaranteed. Now, he could demand to leave.

However, Maignan is not the only option being considered. Chelsea could also go down a much younger route. According to Canal Plus, the West London club are showing an interest in Reims shot-stopper Ewen Jaouen.

The 20-year-old has not yet tasted top-flight football, but he has enjoyed two very impressive seasons in Ligue 2. Jaouen kept 15 clean sheets as Reims missed out on promotion back to Ligue 1, boasting the third-best defensive record in the French second tier.

As a result, Jaouen "has the world at his feet." Newcastle are battling to sign him, with some reports suggesting that he already has an agreement on personal terms in place with the Magpies.

However, Chelsea and Real Madrid are also in the race. The latter view the young Frenchman as a potential long-term successor to Thibaut Courtois. The Blues, though, also seem to have a realistic shot at signing him.

It is reported that Jaouen has already been in England to tour Chelsea's Cobham facilities, which suggests that he is at the very least considering a move to the Blues as a viable option. Reims are said to be demanding around €25 million for the 20-year-old.