Chelsea are reportedly chasing two surprise deals for Xabi Alonso this summer.
08:34, Tue, Jul 28, 2026 Updated: 08:41, Tue, Jul 28, 2026
Xabi Alonso reportedly wants to add experience to his squad this summer
Xabi Alonso reportedly wants to add experience to his squad this summer (Image: Getty)
Chelsea are reportedly working on a surprise deal to sign Jordan Henderson on a free transfer. The west Londoners are believed to be one of several Premier League clubs with an interest in the veteran Brentford midfielder, who represented England at the World Cup. He is currently recovering from a broken arm after suffering a freak injury in the Three Lions' quarter-final victory over Mexico.
Brentford are willing to let Henderson leave on a free transfer despite the 36-year-old being tied down until the summer of 2027, according to The Athletic. It comes after it emerged that Chelsea were also negotiating a potential move for Brighton forward Danny Welbeck, suggesting that new manager Xabi Alonso is placing an emphasis on experience in his first transfer window.
Henderson made 22 league starts in 2025/26 following his arrival from Ajax and registered another 10 appearances from the bench. That form, in addition to his experience at international level, saw him called up by England for the World Cup.
The former Liverpool stalwart featured for six minutes in the Three Lions' third group stage fixture against Panama before sustaining an injury during England's celebrations following their victory over Mexico.
Henderson broke his arm while climbing over an advertising board and underwent surgery, yet remained with the squad throughout the tournament.
Earlier in the summer, Chelsea had pursued another seasoned Premier League midfielder in Granit Xhaka. However, Sunderland proved unwilling to entertain any offers for their captain.
When questioned about transfers ahead of Chelsea's pre-season fixture against Western Sydney Wanderers, Alonso suggested further activity was expected. The Spaniard indicated, though, that his squad might be reduced.
"We need to know that probably there will still be some movements," he said. "We need to be flexible and quick to act.
Jordan Henderson has reportedly emerged as a surprise target for the Blues
Jordan Henderson has reportedly emerged as a surprise target for the Blues (Image: Getty)
"The main thing is that we have a clear idea, a clear plan that we have built. Probably it will change until the last day of the market being open."
When asked about squad size, Alonso responded: "Not too long, not too short, what is the number? I can't give you that number.
"But for sure, we need to have options because you know that we could be unlucky with injuries so we need to prepare for that.
"We can have different circumstances. We need to manage minutes. We have two cups as well, so we need to fight for them as hard as in the Premier League.
"Once we get the right balance in terms of qualities, personalities, maturity moments, hopefully we are looking at that when we start the first Premier League game in August."