If reports are to be believed, Xabi Alonso wants four ready-to-go signings this summer, and one of those is a new left winger. Back in 2022, Thomas Tuchel wanted one of his current England players.
There will be plenty of moving parts when the summer window gets going, even if it might take until after the World Cup for the transfer market to explode. Chelsea have four priorities going into the summer.
Xabi Alonso has his SEVEN Chelsea ‘untouchables’ 👀
Do you agree with them?
- Reece James
- Cole Palmer
- Joao Pedro
- Estevao Willian
- Moises Caicedo
- Josh Acheampong
- Levi Colwill
A new goalkeeper goes without saying, if Chelsea need competition for Mike Penders. A centre-back to go alongside Levi Colwill and a striker to compete with Joao Pedro. Chelsea want to sign Dusan Vlahovic.
The other position Chelsea need to strengthen is left wing. Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens have failed to convince, with Geovany Quenda, Pedro Neto and Estevao all preferred on the right flank.
Chelsea could finally sign Tuchel target if Cole is heeded
Amid the need for a new left winger, Joe Cole has suggested Marcus Rashford as an option. The England World Cup star is set for an uncertain summer, having spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Barcelona.
Rashford could still sign for Barcelona permanently, but Anthony Gordon has joined the Spanish giants. Nothing has been confirmed as to whether Barca will turn Rashford’s loan into a permanent transfer.
It comes after a superb loan at the Nou Camp, in which he had a hand in 28 goals. Cole told The Sun: “Rashford ticks a lot of boxes, but you don’t want to spend a fortune. He’d do a good job for Chelsea.”
Should Chelsea heed Cole’s advice and sign Rashford, it would see BlueCo sign a player Tuchel wanted at Chelsea in the summer of 2022 shortly before he was sacked, according to a La Repubblica report.
Nothing materialised, and Rashford remained at Old Trafford until January 2025, when he joined Aston Villa on loan and then Barcelona. Michael Carrick may decide to keep Rashford after winning the job.
What Thomas Tuchel has said about Marcus Rashford
Tuchel is clearly an admirer of Rashford, having brought the Man United star back into the fold with England. Rashford has overcome a difficult spell in his career, brought on by Ruben Amorim at United.
How would you react to Chelsea signing Marcus Rashford?
Speaking even in 2020, while PSG manager, Tuchel showed his admiration of Rashford: “he’s a big threat with his speed, with his ability to score, with his determination and his finishing. He’s very precise.
“He can take shots inside and outside of the box. He is super rapid on counter-attacks and strong in the air with headers. He’s had a big impact,” Tuchel said six years ago, as per Manchester United’s website.
“It’s nice to see guys like him from the Academy having such a big impact in a big, big club like United. Every time I’ve met a calm and humble guy and a nice person, which is amazing. I like this mixture a lot.”
Chelsea need a left-winger, Rashford may have to find himself a new club. If the Blues can manage to lure the Old Trafford icon to Stamford Bridge, it would be a stunning bit of business. Seems unlikely, though.
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