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Xabi Alonso has had a closer look at plenty of Chelsea stars over the last few weeks with Jamie Gittens making quite the impression after a tough first season<\/h2>\n <\/p>\n\n
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\nJamie Gittens scored in Chelsea’s second pre-season friendly under Xabi Alonso on Thursday(Image: (Photo by Darren Walsh\/Chelsea FC via Getty Images))<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/button><\/p>\n
Jamie Gittens scoring in a friendly is undoubtedly the perfect message to Xabi Alonso on the same day Alejandro Garnacho officially joined Aston Villa. The 21-year-old was on target as the Blues beat Bromley 3-0 with Joao Pedro and Emmanuel Emegha also scoring.<\/p>\n
Garnacho was unsurprisingly not involved, with his season-long loan switch – which could become permanent if certain conditions are met – to Villa Park finalised. Unai Emery’s side will sign him for \u00a342.5m in an obligation\u2011to\u2011buy clause.<\/p>\n
The 22-year-old only arrived at Stamford Bridge 12 months ago but already looks set to depart with Alonso hinting at such during his first press conference as the club’s manager.<\/p>\n
He said: “Well the situation, we have spoken with the sports directors and there is an interest from him, from other clubs, so let’s see how it develops. But hopefully it finishes in the best possible way for all the parties.”<\/p>\n
With Garnacho departing, Gittens could have a huge opportunity in west London for the upcoming campaign. A goal in pre-season will certainly help his case with Chelsea also beating Crawley Town 3-1 at the weekend.<\/p>\n
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE!<\/strong> <\/strong>Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page<\/u><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n He may, however, be forced to bide his time with record-signing Morgan Rogers informed he would be the starting left winger next season, as football.london <\/strong>understands<\/p>\nChelsea don’t have any European football to play next season and that could have benefitted Gittens as it did for the likes of Tosin, Marc Guiu and Jadon Sancho when they won the Conference League.<\/p>\n
Gittens started five Premier League matches last season and due to injury, played just over 1,000 minutes with a total of six goal contributions to his name.<\/p>\n
Alonso looks set to have a closer look at all of his squad on their pre-season tour to Australia which kicks off next week. Western Sydney Wanderers and Tottenham will be their opponents over in Oceania.<\/p>\n
Juventus and AC Milan will also go up against Chelsea in Hong Kong and Indonesia, respectively. Malaysian Super League side Johor Darul Ta’zim F.C. will also take on Alonso’s side before their final friendly against Real Sociedad.<\/p>\n
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\nChelsea are expected to sign Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace this summer<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n
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More signings are expected before the season kicks off with Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix closing in a move across London.<\/p>\n
Alex Scott is also of concrete interest to those at Chelsea and Bournemouth have already rejected a \u00a364m bid. Arsenal and Manchester United have also been linked with the midfielder.<\/p>\n
Gittens will be hoping no more attackers ahead of the new season arrive in order to receive plenty of minutes going forward. One of Liam Delap, Emegha and Nicolas Jackson is expected to depart with the latter of interest to Villa.<\/p>\n
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Chelsea have launched their new away kit for the 2026\/27 season, said to be a celebration of the club’s ‘Italian Renaissance’. It’s designed with a black base and gold trim in tribute to their transformative 1990s era.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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