Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso played a straight bat to questions about possible inbound and outbound movements at the club, quipping “many, many rumours at the moment, so no comment” when asked about Danny Welbeck signing for the club.
After his side ran out 6-4 winners in an entertaining pre-season friendly at Accor Stadium in Sydney, Alonso was asked about whether he had identified the likes of England midfielder Jordan Henderson and striker Welbeck to add more experience to his side.
“I’m sure that from today until the last day of the transfer there will be a lot of links, lot of rumours, so to be commenting all of them it’s going to be a hard task,” he said.
“But for sure we need proper balance in terms of qualities, terms of positions, in terms of balance. We want to have a complete squad and we want to make a good team.
“And for that we have an idea, we have a plan and let’s see how we set it up until the start of the Premier League. Until then, we will see.”
Xabi Alonso in Sydney. Photo: Charlotte Neal
Welbeck, 35, emerged as a surprise target in the UK press this week, having shown he still has a Premier League goal scoring knack with 13 goals in 37 Premier League games last term with Brighton.
Meanwhile, Brentford are reportedly open to letting 36-year-old midfielder Henderson leave for free a year before the end of his deal.
If Welbeck does arrive, it places the future of Liam Delap in doubt. The striker started today amidst speculation he could be on his way out, with Nicholas Jackson’s future also uncertain.
“Every player that is involved is doing well, Liam as well,” Alonso replied to questions about the striker, who was replaced by Joao Pedro, who scored a 10-minute treble.
“It was 60 minutes when he had to battle hard against the centre backs, a good few legs off.
“So he’s doing well and preparing for the season.”
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