Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso believes club captain Reece James has what it takes to become one of the world's best central midfielders. Following Enzo Fernandez's massive departure to Manchester City and a mounting injury crisis at Stamford Bridge, the Blues boss is ready to heavily rely on his star right-back in the middle of the park.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso faces an anxious wait over the fitness of vice-captain Moises Caicedo ahead of Sunday's crucial London derby against Arsenal. The Ecuador international is a major doubt for the trip to the Emirates Stadium after suffering his second injury setback in the space of just two weeks.
Chelsea are reportedly ready to dive back into the transfer market this January to secure a direct replacement for Enzo Fernandez. Following the Argentine's high-profile departure to Manchester City, manager Xabi Alonso has identified a Atletico Madrid star to restore balance to his midfield engine room.
In view of the departure of World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez to Premier League rivals Manchester City for a transfer fee of €145 million, Chelsea were desperate to sign another player for central midfield before the transfer window closed – but that plan failed.
Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe reportedly acted as an unofficial consultant for Xabi Alonso during Chelsea’s frantic search for midfield reinforcements. The French forward was asked to provide a character reference for Roma's Manu Kone as the Blues prepared to sanction Enzo Fernandez's departure to Manchester City.
Chelsea wonderkid Estevao is already considering his future at Stamford Bridge under new manager Xabi Alonso. The Brazilian prodigy, who arrived in west London with a massive reputation, is said to be concerned that his first-team opportunities will be severely limited this season and could look to force a January transfer if his situation does not drastically improve.
Xabi Alonso has taken a firm stand regarding the future of Emanuel Emegha, blocking a potential loan departure for the Chelsea striker during the final stages of the summer transfer window. Despite significant interest from across Europe, the Spanish manager has made it clear that the young forward remains a vital part of his plans for the 2026-27 campaign.
Chelsea have been warned that “no successful teams” follows the tactical blueprint that has been adopted at Stamford Bridge, with Ruud Gullit - during an exclusive interview with GOAL - questioning how much influence Xabi Alonso has on transfer business. The Spanish tactician has seen big money spent in another transfer window, but is he being dictated to in some respects?
Xabi Alonso has insisted he will do whatever it takes to win after Chelsea recorded their lowest-ever possession figures in a Premier League match during a chaotic victory over Brighton. Despite securing a perfect start to the campaign, the Blues’ reliance on counter-attacking efficiency over ball retention has raised eyebrows across the division.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confessed that both Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto could depart Stamford Bridge before Tuesday's transfer deadline. Fernandez was notably absent from the Blues' recent victory over Brighton as Manchester City prepare a mammoth British record bid for the Argentine midfielder.
