Xabi Alonso has been linked with a move to Liverpool in the event that Arne Slot is shown the door, but Chelsea are pushing hard to appoint the former Anfield star
Arne Slot and Xabi Alonso embrace
Xabi Alonso has been linked with the Liverpool job(Image: Liverpool FC, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Liverpool could miss out on the chance of securing Xabi Alonso's services as Chelsea look to appoint the Spaniard as soon as next week. The 44-year-old has been out of the managerial game since parting ways with Real Madrid in January, in the wake of a turbulent seven-month spell.
Alonso had previously guided Bayer Leverkusen to glory as he oversaw a remarkable unbeaten season to end Bayern Munich's 11-year stronghold in the Bundesliga. He also helped Leverkusen to the German cup that term.
After enquiring about the likes of Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva, it is Alonso that Chelsea see as the right man for the hot seat at Stamford Bridge.
While Calum McFarlane will be in charge for Saturday's FA Cup final with Manchester City at Wembley, football.london understand that the club are looking to finalise a deal over the next few days.
It comes as a major blow to Liverpool fans, who have been crying out for a change of face at Anfield following a lacklustre season under Arne Slot.
While the Dutchman managed a Premier League title in 2024/25 - in his first season with the club in succession of Jurgen Klopp - 2025/26 has played out completely different.
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The Reds currently sit fifth in the Premier League standings headed into their final match with Brentford next weekend, as they fight for their place in the Champions League for the new term.
Slot will need to inspire nothing short of perfection against the Bees at Anfield should he hope to guide the club to a place in Europe's premier footballing competition, especially considering how tight it is at the top of the table.
For context, Bournemouth are just four points adrift of Liverpool, but could leapfrog them with wins over Manchester City and Nottingham Forest over the next week or so, should the Reds falter to Brentford.
Ollie Watkins shoots
Liverpool suffered a 4-2 loss to Aston Villa on Friday evening(Image: Shaun Botterill, Getty Images)
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Brighton could also pip Liverpool to fifth place on goal difference should they win their upcoming encounters with Leeds United and Manchester United - although that would also depend on the Merseyside-based outfit losing their Premier League finale.
It comes as Slot will be facing mounting pressure in the aftermath of Friday's embarrassment at the hands of Aston Villa. The Reds travelled to Villa Park with hopes of holding their fourth-place position in the standings, but fate had other plans for Slot's side.
Morgan Rogers opened the scoring 41 minutes into the match, before Virgil van Dijk inspired an equaliser just six minutes into the second-half. Ollie Watkins once again gave the Villans the lead just five minutes later, before doubling down to make it 3-1 with around 20 minutes left to play.
An outrageous strike from John McGinn on the edge of the area in the game's dying stages put the clash to bed, with Van Dijk's second goal in stoppage time coming as all but a consolation prize in a 4-2 loss.