Many believe Chelsea need some competition for Joao Pedro brought in this summer, however Xabi Alonso is leaning towards changing his position next season.
Pedro contributed to 29 goals in all competitions last season while being the only option to play number nine who was impressing at Stamford Bridge.
However, he clearly showed signs of fatigue at the back end of the season, and missed out on a call up to the Brazil squad for the World Cup.
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The AS Monaco striker is being linked to Chelsea after impressing at the World Cup 🇺🇸
Xabi Alonso looking to play Joao Pedro deeper next season at Chelsea
After Liam Delap’s woes, Chelsea want to add a new striker to their ranks, although this may not actually be to provide competition for Pedro.
As per Simon Phillips, Alonso is considering playing the former Brighton man in a deeper role, and signing a brand new number nine to start next season.
He said on his Substack: “Our sources have heard today that Chelsea are currently having internal discussions about going for an out-and-out number nine up front this summer.
“Xabi Alonso is contemplating pushing Joao Pedro deeper and bringing in a number nine. Movement could happen when players leave. The club and Alonso will make a decision on Nicolas Jackson. Liam Delap, Marc Guiu and Alejandro Garnacho are all up for sale.”
Pedro has played in these roles before during his time at Brighton and Watford, and his ability on the ball would see Chelsea benefit from him getting more involved.
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Xabi Alonso’s Nicolas Jackson dilemma
The question for Alonso is whether he believes Nicolas Jackson is a suitable option to be reintegrated back into the squad for next season.
Senegal’s early World Cup exit at the hands of Belgium will allow the striker to join up with the pre-season tour earlier than a lot of his teammates.
Chelsea like how versatile Jackson is, but given the fact Alonso clearly wants an outright number nine it may see the club enter the transfer market again.
Previously, the Blues have been very strongly linked with Victor Osimhen, who is currently with Galatasaray, although it remains to be seen if they look to compete for his signature again.
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