Chelsea are building a new-look squad under Xabi Alonso for the upcoming Premier League season
04:30, 28 Jul 2026
Chelsea aren't finished in the transfer window just yet, even after splashing £117million on Morgan Rogers.
The Blues broke the British transfer record for the midfielder, who is the marquee arrival of the summer so far at Stamford Bridge. However, the wheel doesn't stop turning in west London as the club turn their attention to Maxence Lacroix at Crystal Palace.
The defender is set to sign a deal worth £52m and become the latest star through the door in SW6.
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Fans will have questions on how Alonso is planning to set up this season thanks to Rogers and Cole Palmer occupying the same position as attacking midfielders. The manager has spoken out regarding the 24-year-old, claiming that he is keen to utilise Rogers' flexibility.
Alonso said: "One of his best qualities is that he is flexible. He plays in that pocket position, close to the striker, close to our number ten – but he has also played on the right side even though he is more used to coming from the left. He feels he is enjoying his game, his flow, and I’m sure he will have good connections with the other players around him. If we get those connections right, that will be a great step forward in the quality of our game."
But there are other areas the Chelsea hierarchy must address before their ideal starting line-up is set. With this in mind, football.london has examined some of the decisions the Blues can make to create their perfect 2026/27 squad.
Beef up the defence
Lacroix may be on his way but Chelsea's defence requires more surgery. The Blues have conceded 158 goals in the Premier League in the last three seasons, albeit with varying personnel.
There has already been some movement this summer, with Marc Cucurella departing for Real Madrid. More exits could yet be on the cards, with the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile uncertain of their future at Stamford Bridge.
That could prompt more change, and football.london understands that Chelsea are interested in signing John Stones, who is a free agent after leaving Manchester City. The 32-year-old has a wealth of Premier League experience under his belt and would be a cost-effective signing to complement the big money being spent by Alonso. His acquisition would benefit what remains a young squad.
Club-to-club negotiations have also begun with Rayo Vallecano for Pep Chavarria. The defender has four years left on his contract but could be another great addition to Alonso's squad.
Sign Alex Scott for £80m
Alex Scott has been the subject of significant transfer interest this summer from the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal. The Cherries insist they will not sell the midfielder and last week rejected a £64m bid from Chelsea for his services.
However, the 22-year-old has turned down a new contract from Bournemouth and is said to be open to a move to Stamford Bridge. Scott could cost the Blues £80m if they are prepared to go back in for the former Bristol City man, but the south coast club may now be willing to negotiate, given the star's contract situation.
Trim down the squad
It's no secret the fact that Chelsea have a big squad. Arguably, that has not been to each individual manager's benefit over the last few years, and the expectation is that there will be more departures before the window is out.
Three of those who could leave are Badiashile, Chalobah and Pedro Neto. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Napoli have enquired about Benoit Badiashile, who is said to be keen on the opportunity in France. The Ligue 1 side sees the 25-year-old as a defensive reinforcement following an injury to Alessandro Buongiorno.
Como have been after Trevoh Chalobah too as talkSPORT reports the Serie A side had a third bid rejected for the defender. Chelsea refuse to lower their £35m asking price but are open to selling the academy graduate.
A number of Premier League clubs are interested in Pedro Neto but the Blues are firm that a massive fee will be required to secure his signature. There are also question marks over a number of other stars in Alonso's squad, including Enzo Fernandez.
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Alonso has admitted as such regarding outgoings. He said: "We need to know that there will probably still be some movement. We need to be flexible and quick to act. The main thing is that we have a clear idea, a clear plan that we have built.
"It will probably change before the transfer window closes."