{"id":16313,"date":"2026-07-11T02:04:29","date_gmt":"2026-07-11T02:04:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=16313"},"modified":"2026-07-11T02:04:29","modified_gmt":"2026-07-11T02:04:29","slug":"xabi-alonso-initiates-contact-with-51-million-midfielder-after-starting-chelsea-job","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=16313","title":{"rendered":"Xabi Alonso initiates contact with \u00a351 million midfielder after starting Chelsea job"},"content":{"rendered":"


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New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has finally signed in at Cobham, and The Chelsea Chronicle understands he has already singled out Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga as his number one target this summer.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Alonso took charge of his first training session with the first team squad on Thursday, with the likes of Cole Palmer, Estevao Willian and Joao Pedro all present with the squad.<\/p>\n

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The likes of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo were not involved due to their participation in the World Cup, with the former still eyeing a move to Real Madrid this summer.<\/p>\n

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Chelsea fans, share your expectations for Xabi Alonso! \ud83c\udfc6<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\"Xabi<\/div>
Credit: Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

Xabi Alonso pushing for Chelsea to sign Eduardo Camavinga<\/h2>\n

A possible deal involving players from the Spanish giants going the other way has been discussed, and Eduardo Camavinga is one of the players who could become surplus to requirements should the Argentine join.<\/p>\n

Transfer expert Ekrem Konur has exclusively told The Chelsea Chronicle<\/strong> that Alonso has \u2018initiated contact\u2019 regarding signing Camavinga this summer.<\/p>\n

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\"Eduardo<\/div>
Photo by Gokhan Taner\/SOPA Images\/LightRocket via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

He said: \u201cChelsea\u2019s new manager Xabi Alonso has placed Real Madrid\u2019s midfielder Eduardo Camavinga at the top of his wishlist to strengthen the squad for the summer transfer window. The Spanish tactician has reportedly initiated contacts, though the biggest hurdle remains convincing the French midfielder to leave Spain.<\/p>\n

\u201cReal Madrid do not prioritize selling Camavinga. The club continues to view him as a vital piece of their long-term project and broad squad depth. Because of this, Chelsea\u2019s initial inquiries have been rebuffed. However, Alonso\u2019s persistence and Chelsea\u2019s desire to inject dynamism into their midfield are keeping the file very much alive.<\/p>\n

\u201cSources indicate that while Chelsea have yet to submit a formal bid, any potential offer would need to be in the region of \u20ac60 million<\/strong> to even test the waters. Although this figure sits below Real Madrid\u2019s internal valuation of the player, it marks the opening stages of a major transfer saga.<\/p>\n

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\"Xabi<\/div>
Photo by Federico Titone\/SOPA Images\/LightRocket via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cThe Camavinga situation will be one of the most closely watched storylines of the summer window. Chelsea\u2019s financial power, Xabi Alonso\u2019s drawing power, and Real Madrid\u2019s ultimate stance will dictate whether this blockbuster move materializes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chelsea\u2019s need to sign a new midfielder has only increased following the sale of Andrey Santos to Manchester United. The Blues are set to bank \u00a350m from his departure.<\/p>\n

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With Marco Palestra officially in the building, does he instantly start over Reece James or Malo Gusto?\ud83d\udc40<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\"Chelsea<\/div>
Photo by Darren Walsh\/Chelsea FC via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

Chelsea relying on Alonso\u2019s influence in transfer market<\/h2>\n

We have already seen how Alonso\u2019s influence can revive a deal that looks as if it would not happen. Marco Palestra joined Chelsea off the back of the Spaniard\u2019s request after looking set to join Inter Milan.<\/p>\n

It was already seen as a major coup to convince Alonso to take over at Stamford Bridge after the woeful 2025\/26 season, and sub-optimal treatment of Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior before him.<\/p>\n

The club should therefore be doing all they can to give the new manager what he wants in the transfer market, and his experience working with Camavinga before at Real Madrid.<\/p>\n

It remains to be seen though if he can be convinced to give up Champions League football, as the Blues aim to return to Europe\u2019s top table next season under Alonso.<\/p>\n

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