Granit Xhaka is one of the latest names Chelsea are attempting to sign, and it is proof that Xabi Alonso has plenty of power at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea’s new left-back target strengthens that further.
BlueCo would never have opted to sign a player who turns 34 in the next few months, but with Alonso in the dugout, that has changed. The Blues have agreed terms with Xhaka as Alonso eyes a reunion.
DISCUSS: Granit Xhaka is Chelsea’s perfect summer signing 🔟
Marco Palestra is expected to be announced in due course, while Xhaka remains a strong possibility. The new Chelsea manager pushed for Palestra, and obviously, he worked with Xhaka while in the Bundesliga.
BlueCo have only ever signed players with resale value. But a move for Xhaka shows BlueCo are willing to listen to Alonso and sign players he wants, regardless of resale value – and now, another Alonso target.
Chelsea want to sign experienced left-back Pep Chavarria
With a right-back signed, a centre-back possibly incoming in Maxence Lacroix, and another midfield target possibly arriving in Xhaka, Chelsea are getting their business done. But they need a new left-back.
Marc Cucurella’s departure has left Chelsea without a left-back. Jorrel Hato is better in defence, and while new arrivals Palestra and Valentin Barco can play on the left, they are better in other positions.
Plenty of left-backs have been linked, but the latest example is another sign that Alonso is wielding his power. Spanish site Marca say Chelsea are considering Rayo Vallecano’s Pep Chavarria this summer.
It comes after a brilliant season in La Liga with Vallecano, in which Chavarria was a key part of a side that reached the Conference League final before losing to Crystal Palace. He has a deal at Rayo until 2030.
Why Chavarria is more proof of Alonso’s power
Like Xhaka, BlueCo would never sanction a move for Chavarria prior to Alonso. Clearly, this is a player that Alonso himself has suggested, and not just because his old Bayer Leverkusen are also interested.
What do you make of Chelsea’s interest in Maxence Lacroix?
Chelsea are trying to sign players that fit a three-man defence and Chavarria is ideal for the left wing-back position if required. But there is no doubt that he is capable of dropping back into left-back as well.
Chelsea are changing their transfer approach; it is clear Alonso is having a say. Older players are being targeted, experience is on the shopping list and Alonso is being backed. Exciting times for Chelsea fans.
Interestingly, Chavarria is represented by AS1, the same agency that looks after Chelsea midfielder Dario Essugo. Given there is a pre-existing relationship between club and agents, it may help a deal conclude.
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