Four Real Madrid stars Xabi Alonso could bring to Chelsea if he takes over as manager
Chelsea are in the market for a new manager after firing Liam Rosenior and Xabi Alonso, who left Real Madrid in January, could bring some familiar faces to Stamford Bridge if appointed
Arda Guler would be a prime candidate to follow Xabi Alonso to Chelsea – but he wouldn’t come cheap(Image: JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea could reap the rewards of Xabi Alonso’s extensive football network should he take the reins at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are once more in search of a permanent manager following Liam Rosenior’s dismissal last month and Alonso is on the market after departing Real Madrid in January.
The Athletic has reported decision-makers in west London are already weighing up a move to secure Alonso as Chelsea’s new head coach. Liverpool legend Alonso is believed to be open to the prospect, though Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola remains another serious candidate for the position.
The ex-Bayer Leverkusen chief and Bundesliga-winning manager would be looking to resurrect his own career in the capital. Yet his arrival could unlock some welcome benefits in the transfer market, with several potential reunions on the cards this summer.
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Arda Guler
One defining feature of the Todd Boehly era at Chelsea has been snapping up young, creative attacking talent. The Blues haven’t strictly required all those brought through the door but Arda Guler carries a greater likelihood of delivering returns than most.
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The Turkey international is one asset Alonso would undoubtedly be eager to link up with again given his glowing assessment of the 21-year-old. The manager gave Guler opportunities across a variety of positions shortly after taking charge in Madrid, making it a priority to fit him into the side whether as a No. 10, out wide on either flank or in central midfield.
“With his quality, he’s a mix between (Mesut) Ozil and Guti,” Alonso said of the youngster in October, drawing comparisons with two of his former Real team-mates. “Guti had that vision and finesse to link play or operate closer to goal and with Mesut I enjoyed football so much. Arda has that something special – that natural talent you can’t teach.”
In that respect, Guler bears a striking resemblance to Cole Palmer, a naturally gifted player you simply slot into the starting XI wherever possible. That sort of adaptability could prove priceless given how acutely Chelsea felt Palmer’s absence during his injury spells this season, offering crucial cover in attacking midfield and across the forward line.
Aurelien Tchouameni
Recent events at the Bernabeu could mean Aurelien Tchouameni is shortly put up for sale. The Frenchman was linked with Chelsea years before his training ground altercation with Real captain Federico Valverde, which resulted in the Uruguayan being taken to hospital.
Each player received a record-breaking €500,000 (£434,000) fine for their part in tarnishing the Real name. And should Los Blancos opt to offload one of the stars to settle the issue, it makes sense captain Valverde would be the priority to keep in Madrid.
Central midfield isn’t the most pressing concern for Chelsea following the emergence of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Andrey Santos as a capable trio of late. That said, with Fernandez nodding to a possible departure in March and Romeo Lavia’s well-documented fitness woes, bringing in one more quality addition to the engine room appears a prudent move.
The fact Tchouameni has only two years remaining on his deal, coupled with his recent controversy, could work in Chelsea’s favour when it comes to securing the player at a discounted price. The 26-year-old has been a regular fixture in Real’s midfield under both Alonso and successor Alvaro Arbeloa, indicating the Blues might be landing a bargain if he’s deemed expendable this summer.
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David Alaba
Chelsea’s backline simply hasn’t looked the same since Thiago Silva left the club in 2024. Much in the same vein, David Alaba could be the seasoned, authoritative presence needed to guide and galvanise some of the club’s younger defensive talents this summer.
The Austrian, who turns 34 in June, is out of contract that same month and will be available on a free transfer. And while injuries have hampered his involvement in recent seasons, there could still be considerable value in securing his signature if he can maintain his fitness.
Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Josh Acheampong, Mamadou Sarr and others would have a great deal to gain from Alaba’s defensive wisdom. Not to mention the significant benefit the veteran could bring in helping certain players clean up their disciplinary act and passing on his expertise in keeping a cool head under pressure.
Gonzalo Garcia
A breakthrough campaign in Madrid could nevertheless conclude with Gonzalo Garcia departing Real this summer. Reports suggest Los Blancos are keen to cash in on the player’s growing reputation given he is unlikely to displace Kylian Mbappe as the first-choice striker.
As it happens, Garcia netted the opening goal of the Alonso era at Real during last year’s FIFA Club World Cup. The 22-year-old has since gone on to score six times and contribute three assists in 36 appearances across all competitions, though only 13 of those were starts.
The Liam Delap experiment has yet to bear fruit at Stamford Bridge following a disappointing debut season in west London. And aside from Joao Pedro, who arguably flourishes more when operating off a centre forward, Chelsea look somewhat short of options in attack.
Much like Julian Alvarez’s departure from Manchester City after finding Erling Haaland an insurmountable obstacle, Garcia could opt to leave Real in pursuit of more regular first-team football. Chelsea could find themselves the fortunate recipients of a young talent who has shown flashes of world-class finishing over the past 12 months.
