Xabi Alonso could bring a player he worked with at Real Madrid to Chelsea
06:00, 24 Jun 2026
Xabi Alonso
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Xabi Alonso will want to strengthen his squad this summer(Image: Getty Images)
Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has been given an unexpected window to sign a Real Madrid star who called him a "great manager."
Turkey's shock early elimination from the World Cup means the highly-rated Arda Guler will be back in Europe sooner than expected. Despite spending just six months at the Bernabeu before being sacked, Alonso struck up a strong bond with the 21-year-old.
After reportedly being made to feel "invisible" by predecessor Carlo Ancelotti, Alonso got the best out of Guler, who scored twice in the thrilling Champions League quarter-final defeat to Bayern Munich in April.
Speaking about the influence Alonso has had on his career, Guler has revealed the pair have been in touch since Alonso was appointed by the Blues. He told TRT Spor: "The truth is that we had a brilliant relationship. I felt as though he'd handed me the keys.
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"It was exactly what I was looking for, honestly. Now he's signed for Chelsea. I hope everything goes well for him. Of course, we’re still messaging each other."
He added: "After the match against Bayern Munich, he told me he was very proud of me. I was really happy to see the message. I hope God smooths his path. I think he's a great manager."
As usual, and especially with a new manager at the helm, Chelsea are set to be busy in the transfer market this summer following a season of chronic underachievement and managerial upheaval.
Xabi Alonso talks to Arda Guler
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Arda Guler loved working with Alonso(Image: Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
While a string of other European heavyweights are keeping tabs on his situation too, the Blues would be an obvious destination for Guler, who is valued at around £78million, if Real decider to listen to offers. However, much will depend on whether returning manager Jose Mourinho sees him as part of his plans.
The ex-Chelsea manager will get an early chance to watch Guler first-hand after Turkey were beaten by Australia and Paraguay in their first two matches, meaning they will finish bottom of Group D, regardless of how they fare in their group finale against the United States.
After a short break, Guler could feasibly be back with Los Blancos for the start of pre-season training on July 13, while many of his club-mates will either still be in North America or recently returned.
Crashing out so early was a devastating blow for the Turks, whose squad had been branded the 'golden generation' and been expected to at least advance from their group in their first World Cup appearance since 2002.
Addressing his country's failure, Guler said: "We play for very important clubs and we should have demonstrated that on the field. We are deeply saddened and are ashamed of ourselves."
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Guler's spirits could be lifted by being reunited with Alonso in west London.
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