Xabi Alonso pushing for transfer that could see Chelsea change formation

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Chelsea have given Xabi Alonso the title of manager instead of head coach, and he is already stamping his authority at the club.

Alonso has green-lit a move for Granit Xhaka, desiring to work alongside his former player again.

Sunderland are unhappy with Chelsea’s pursuit of Xhaka, but Alonso seems determined to reunite with the midfielder.

Rayo Vallecano’s Pep Chavarria is another player the Spaniard appears to be pushing for during this transfer window.

Do you want to see Pep Chavarria, Marco Palestra or Jorrel Hato at left-back next season?

Chavarria didn't do a bad job in the Conference League final against Crystal Palace

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Xabi Alonso’s move for Pep Chavarria indicates potential switch to three at the back

Chavarria played well in last season’s Conference League final against Crystal Palace and has clearly caught Alonso’s attention with some of his performances for Rayo.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Chavarria is close to agreeing personal terms with Chelsea ahead of a potential move to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Jacobs has claimed on X that Alonso is the one driving the Blues’ interest in the defender and that the club want to sign someone who can play as a left-back and left wing-back.

It suggests that Alonso could use a back three next season, as he did at Bayer Leverkusen. The Spaniard’s 3-4-2-1 formation brought the German club much success as they went on to win the 2024 Bundesliga title.

• READ MORE: The first player to swap Rayo Vallecano roots for Chelsea became a legend

Alejandro Grimaldo, who recently joined Atletico Madrid, was Alonso’s first-choice left wing-back, and it looks like Chavarria could play in that role at Chelsea.

With the Club World Cup holders failing to qualify for Europe, Alonso will have plenty of time to work on formations in training at Cobham.

Chelsea are also closing in on the signing of Marco Palestra, who is set to join from Atalanta. It means Chelsea could have a new full-back or wing-back pairing next term.

Malo Gusto is being linked with a move to Manchester City, but his £75m valuation is putting off Enzo Maresca’s side. Unless that number comes down, the Frenchman will probably be staying at Stamford Bridge.