How Chelsea can upgrade on Joao Pedro

Chelsea are in an agitated mood this summer and whilst that may be thanks to a certain Manchester City manager, it could come as a boost for Xabi Alonso.

The Blues released a scathing statement hitting out against Enzo Maresca earlier this week and will be desperate for Alonso to get one over on their old manager next season.

For that to happen, however, a lot more work needs to take place in the summer transfer window – starting with a misfiring frontline.

The Blues have already splashed the cash once for Alonso, signing Atalanta fullback Marco Palestra, and have since been linked with names like Granit Xhaka.

Early evidence would suggest that Alonso is prepared to switch to the back three system which helped Bayer Leverkusen go invincible in the 24/25 campaign, and that will require further additions.

Those at Stamford Bridge will certainly welcome the back three, too. The last time they switched to such a system, they enjoyed success with Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel. Now, Alonso could be next.

It’s not just the backline that needs strengthening for that system to thrive, however. The Spaniard also needs an out-and-out goalscorer, which one Premier League star could provide.

According to Simon Phillips, Chelsea have now made contact with Eli Junior Kroupi’s agent over a potential move this summer. The young forward enjoyed an excellent debut campaign in England last time out, playing a starring role at Bournemouth.

Dubbed “elite” by scout Jacek Kulig, he’s now on the radar of Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, with Bournemouth reportedly setting a stunning £100m asking price.

Although the striker role is Joao Pedro’s to lose on paper, Alonso’s arrival may change that if the new manager is to replicate his unbeaten Leverkusen side.

Why Alonso could prefer Kroupi to Pedro at Chelsea

Pedro has many standout traits. Even as Chelsea struggled last season, he was arguably one of the signings of the year.

He links play excellently, can drift wide and knows how to find the back of the net. But he’s not and is unlikely to ever be an out-and-out No.9. That, for Alonso, is a problem.

At Bayer Leverkusen, it was Victor Boniface and Patrik Schick who led the line as classic strikers. The former scored 32 goals in 61 games under Alonso, assisting 12 other times.

The latter netted 41 goals in 89 games and created just five goals. Schick, especially, represented what the manager wants from his strikers.

Alonso wants his strikers to be clinical inside the area. Based on Schick’s numbers, he doesn’t want his strikers to waste time away from where they should be most dangerous.

Kroupi would thrive under such instructions. He took more shots than Pedro last season and was more clinical in front of goal. Whilst the Brazilian deserves credit for his touches inside the area, 19-year-old Kroupi has the potential to reach Schick’s numbers in that department.

The teenager’s goal against Manchester City last season (clip above) is a fine example of how his ability aligns with Alonso’s vision. Kroupi collected inside the area and needed just one touch before finding the far corner. There was no other thought in his mind other than to find the back of the net.

It would be a statement signing from Chelsea, who must hand their new manager all the tools to succeed at Stamford Bridge.