In just less than a month's time, Xabi Alonso will begin work officially as the new Chelsea manager with an enormous summer ahead of the 44-year-old Spanish coach
07:00, 02 Jun 2026
Xabi Alonso
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Xabi Alonso will take over at Chelsea next month(Image: Ina Fassbender/AFP)
We now have less than a month until Xabi Alonso gets his feet under his new desk in his office at Chelsea's training centre in Cobham.
In what was a miserable 2025/26 campaign for the Blues, there is newfound optimism and hope going into the new season - largely thanks to Alonso's appointment. BlueCo have promised the newly-appointed manager the opportunity of more power in his role than the ownership group's previous head coaches.
That includes, of course, more say when it comes to the club's transfer business. As is the case most summers with Chelsea, they are expected to have a busy off-season away from the pitch. And this summer is no different.
After a disappointing term last time around, there is major surgery set to happen at Stamford Bridge and Alonso will be one of multiple surgeons. In defence, there needs to be serious improvement from last season's showing - and that is why there could be multiple first-team players shipped off this summer.
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At the club at the moment, before anyone is signed or leaves, Alonso has around £312million (combined transfer fees Chelsea paid, not including add-ons) worth of defensive talent to choose from (that includes loanees returning). There are, though, expected to be a number of moves between now and the beginning of next season.
With that being said, we take a look at the 'dream' set of defensive options for Chelsea at the start of the 2026/27 season. This is part of a mini-series by f ootball.london - here are the midfield and attacking editions
What needs to be done
A lot is the simple answer. Building the defence around Levi Colwill is the slightly more detailed answer.
Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana
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Levi Colwill with Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Colwill showed in the final few matches of the 2025/26 campaign, after he made his long-awaited return from a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, his significance to the Chelsea side. It does make you wonder where the Blues would have finished if they had Colwill for even half of the campaign.
Sources close to the club have told football.london numerous times in recent months that Chelsea are prioritising signing a starting-level centre-back in the upcoming summer transfer window.
A source dismissed speculation linking the Blues with soon-to-be free agent Ibrahima Konate and they claimed his agency were using a few clubs to try and create a bit of a bidding war in terms of the defender's wages.
Either way, he will surely be someone Chelsea are looking at, or at least considering. A Premier League winner with experience of being in the Champions League final. A cheap transfer fee, albeit hefty wage demands. A decent age at 27. Konate ticks a lot of boxes.
Especially considering Chelsea's transfer strategy has been slightly tweaked; with the club on the hunt for Premier League-proven/top-level footballers this summer, while not completely obliterating their youth-centric model.
Chelsea could add more centre-backs as well, especially if, as expected, numerous defenders are moved on this summer. There are doubts over the futures of Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo.
Marc Cucurella is wanted by Atletico Madrid and is reportedly looking for a departure before the start of next season. Chelsea should not stand in the Spain international's way, as good as he is, if an attractive offer arrives at the table.
Jorrel Hato's 2026 has been excellent and he looks as if he can be part of the Chelsea defence for years to come. Whether that's in the middle or on the left-hand side remains to be seen but the Netherlands international, who is one of many Alonso will have a keen eye on during this summer's World Cup, has a really bright future at Stamford Bridge.
As exciting as Hato's potential is, if Cucurella leaves, Chelsea should be looking to add another body in this summer. Valentin Barco will arrive from Strasbourg after representing Argentina at the World Cup but it is unclear whether Alonso wants to use him in midfield or at left-back. It's probably not as black or white as that.
Jorrel Hato applauds
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Jorrel Hato applauds the Chelsea supporters after the win over Tottenham(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Caleb Wiley is almost a forgotten figure at Chelsea. The American left-back was recalled from his loan at Watford in January of this year due to an injury. Wiley spent the remainder of the 2025/26 season doing his rehabilitation at the Blues' training base in Cobham but is expected to depart - either permanently or on loan - in the summer.
Mamadou Sarr was recalled from his loan spell at Strasbourg in January to give Chelsea more depth in the centre-back position after missing out on Jeremy Jacquet. Liam Rosenior, who coached Sarr with the French club, was said to be instrumental in bringing the Senegal international back to west London. However, the defender made just six appearances in all competitions between January and the end of the campaign.
At right-back, Chelsea are pretty stacked. Reece James recently signed a new long-term contract at Stamford Bridge and is set to captain the club again next season. Malo Gusto, while divisive amongst supporters, is a solid option and will be looking to impress Alonso for France at the World Cup this summer.
It will be interesting to see how Alonso takes to Josh Acheampong. The Cobham graduate should, theoretically at least, have a full pre-season to impress his new gaffer. Depending on how Alonso views Acheampong, he might stick around next season. If Alonso does not see him as part of his immediate plans, a loan would be better for the 20-year-old's development.
Josh Acheampong
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Josh Acheampong has been linked with a move away from Chelsea(Image: Chelsea FC)
Aaron Anselmino is highly regarded by multiple senior officials inside the club, sources say, though another loan might be the best option for the Argentine. Elsewhere, there is nothing to suggest Axel Disasi will be at Stamford Bridge next season.
Centre-back options
Levi Colwill
Trevoh Chalobah
Jorrel Hato
Josh Acheampong
New signing
New signing
Right-back options
Reece James
Malo Gusto
Josh Acheampong
Trevoh Chalobah
Left-back options
New signing
Jorrel Hato
Valentin Barco
Levi Colwill
Leaving the club
Tosin Adarabioyo
Wesley Fofana
Benoit Badiashile
Marc Cucurella
Caleb Wiley
Josh Acheampong (loan)
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Mamadou Sarr (loan)
Aaron Anselmino (loan)