Chelsea identify £80m Premier League star as a major target for Xabi Alonso

Chelsea have now identified an “absolutely sensational” attacking player as a leading target for the summer transfer window, following the arrival of Xabi Alonso.

Alonso set to be involved in Chelsea’s summer recruitment

Alonso isn’t set to start work until July 1st, but he is going to have a say in the summer recruitment, according to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, who shared some interesting insights about the appointment on X.

“It was Chelsea’s idea for Alonso to have title of “manager” instead of “head coach” because they were so impressed with his leadership qualities. He did not ask to have the manager title. Alonso will not be wedded to playing three at the back at Chelsea.

“He used that formation at Bayer Leverkusen because it suited the players he had in his squad. He is more than happy to play with a back four. Chelsea will play different formations under him.”

Solhekol also added: “Alonso will be involved in recruitment and Chelsea expect to sign 3/4 players this summer, including a centre back.”

A new striker may be required too, with Liam Delap enduring a difficult debut campaign, scoring just one Premier League goal, while the Blues also recently went on a run of five games without a league goal for the first time since 1912.

Chelsea identify Premier League star as leading target

According to a report from TEAMtalk, BlueCo remain committed to signing an elite striker in the upcoming window, and Brentford striker Igor Thiago has been identified as a major target, but a deal could be very expensive, with a potential price tag of £80m recently being touted.

Chelsea are serious about signing the Brazilian, who was recently nominated for the Premier League Player of the Season award, and there is a belief he could play a major role in transforming them into contenders for the title.

Brentford have been one of the surprise packages of the season, with Keith Andrews‘ side making a push for Europe, and the manager lauded Thiago back in January, saying: “He was absolutely sensational [against Bournemouth]. He is constantly evolving his game and wanting to learn, which is crucial. The more strings we can add to his bow, and how we can get him involved in the game, the better he will become”

The 24-year-old has featured in every single Premier League game this season, underlining his importance to Andrews, and he looks poised to finish second in the goalscoring charts.

Read next: Chelsea eyeing another Premier League star as Xabi Alonso’s first signing