Chelsea is aiming to sign a World Cup star who might take over from Alejandro Garnacho.
Chelsea is eager to sign a young winger who set a World Cup record this year, as Xabi Alonso’s rebuilding plan moves forward. Alonso officially became Chelsea’s manager on July 1 after being let go by Real Madrid earlier this year. He stepped into a team that struggled last season, finishing 10th in the Premier League without winning any trophies.
The summer rebuild is well underway, with Chelsea announcing five new players: Geovany Quenda, Denner, Dastan Satpaev, Emmanuel Emegha, and Marco Palestra. The deals for the first four were made before Alonso arrived, while Palestra is the first signing approved by him, costing £44 million from Atalanta. The 21-year-old defender can play full-back or wing-back on both sides, offering much-needed flexibility after Marc Cucurella left for Real Madrid.
Known for spotting Europe’s top young talent, Chelsea is now aiming to strengthen their attack. Reports say Alonso is targeting Bayer Leverkusen’s 18-year-old winger, Kerim Alajbegovic, who impressed at the World Cup playing for Bosnia and Herzegovina. He made history by scoring the youngest long-range goal ever recorded in the tournament since records began in 1966.
Alajbegovic’s rise came after a strong season at Red Bull Salzburg, where he scored nine goals and assisted three in the Austrian league. He then returned to Leverkusen in March after they activated a buyback clause. A product of Leverkusen’s academy, Alajbegovic has trained with Alonso’s first team before but never made his pro debut. Now, Alonso wants to bring him to Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho looks set to leave Stamford Bridge after a tough time since joining from Manchester United for £40 million last summer. The 22-year-old scored just eight times in 43 games last season, and Alonso has made it clear Garnacho is not in his plans. “There’s interest from another club, so let’s see how it goes,” Alonso said.
Roma is leading the race to sign Garnacho, with an offer for a €5 million loan and a €35 million purchase if certain conditions are met. Chelsea wants about £43 million and prefers a permanent deal. If Garnacho leaves, Alonso views Alajbegovic as the perfect replacement, building a squad that’s ready for now and the future.