Chelsea will remain extremely active in the transfer window to solidify Xabi Alonso's new-look Premier League squad
Xabi Alonso.
Xabi Alonso will need to sell some players this summer(Image: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
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Chelsea could bid farewell to 10 more stars as they aim to create a dominant force in attack under Xabi Alonso. The Blues have forked out £217million so far and are set to bring their net spend down through the sale of surplus players.
Alonso has secured Marco Palestra, Geovany Quenda, Emmanuel Emegha, Maxence Lacroix, Danny Welbeck, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson so far. Morgan Rogers' £117m move from Aston Villa has been the main talking point as he became the newest British transfer record signing.
The Blues are still in the market for new players in the midfield and attacking areas, but there will likely be some outgoings, too. Here, football london takes a look at what Chelsea's dream attack could look like by the end of the transfer window.
Loan out surplus stars
Alonso will likely sanction a number of loan deals this summer to trim his squad and get those on the fringes some valuable experience of first-team football. Mykhailo Mudryk is one of the biggest names on a list of temporary outgoings.
The Ukrainian winger hasn't made a competitive appearance for the Blues since November 2024 and lacks match fitness. A decision has yet to be made on whether Mudryk will be slowly reintegrated into the squad or will gain regular minutes elsewhere as part of a phased return to football.
Mykhailo Mudryk.
Mykhailo Mudryk's future is uncertain(Image: Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
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Discussing the 25-year-old's potential pre-season involvement, Alonso said: "Yesterday was more about the feelings, the emotions to be back with the team more than assessing the fitness level. He could play, maybe 90 minutes too early, but he can be selected. He is selected so he can play.
"Fitness level we will see, but he has been working hard, and now it’s about trying to get him back into things with teammates and integrating into the dynamic. But the first feeling for everyone is that we are happy he is back with the team and us." However, there has been plenty of chatter about a potential exit on loan, which seems a logical move given his time on the sidelines.
A number of other forwards are also included on the potential loan list, including Deivid Washington, Shumaira Mheuka and Ryan Kavuma-McQueen. Omari Kellyman, Reggie Walsh and Caleb Wiley could also head elsewhere this season to free up space on the squad list.
Solidify attack
Liam Delap #9 of Chelsea FC is greeted by Nicolas Jackson #15 as he makes debut during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between Chelsea FC and Los Angeles Football Club at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 16, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Alonso will also cut down his number of forwards(Image: Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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With the defence and loanees organised, Alonso will be free to focus on his attacking formation for the upcoming campaign. Pedro Neto has been tentatively linked with a move away but it remains unlikely that the Blues will allow him to depart on the cheap.
The Spaniard will need to cut down his striking department with Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson and Marcu Guiu all touted with exits. The former Ipswich Town forward joined Chelsea for £30m and the club are looking for a fee in excess of that for his signature.
Aston Villa are interested in Jackson following his successful Bayern Munich loan last season, with his transfer valued at £65m. Meanwhile, Guiu's asking price sits at a respectable £25m and there are a number of European sides keen.
Chelsea's dream frontline
Cole Palmer vies for the ball with Aston Villa's English midfielder #27 Morgan Rogers during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge in London on December 1, 2024.
Cole Palmer could operate in a devastating duo alongside new signing Rogers(Image: Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images)
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Alonso has been known to utilise a 3-4-3 formation, placing greater emphasis on forward-thinking midfielders and providing a solid base in the middle of the park. Rogers and Cole Palmer can operate behind the striker and also drift out to the wing during an in-game tactical shift.
Neto could be the backup to Joao Pedro, who will likely retain his starting spot up top, or play in a striking partnership alongside him. This would allow either midfielder to operate in a natural No. 10 role but could lead to difficulties selecting the best option.
Alonso will have a number of options to choose from regardless of the formation he goes for. The Spaniard will also have the choice to change it up if things aren't going Chelsea's way. As it stands, it appears Alonso already has an ideal – and adaptable – front three, thanks to the club's early summer business. However, with outgoings will come opportunities, and with over two weeks until the start of the new season, don't be surprised if there's not movement in both directions before the opening day trip to Fulham.