Incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso continues to maintain a close relationship with Real Madrid star Arda Guler, with the pair still messaging each other regularly following Alonso’s departure from the Spanish giants. The enduring bond between the 44-year-old coach and the 21-year-old Turkish international could prove pivotal for Chelsea this summer, potentially paving the way for a high-profile reunion at Stamford Bridge.
Alonso’s tenure at Real Madrid was short-lived, lasting barely six months before his dismissal in January. Yet in that limited time, the former Liverpool midfielder made a significant impact on Guler, who had previously struggled for playing time under Carlo Ancelotti and was linked with a possible exit from the Bernabeu.
Guler has spoken glowingly of Alonso’s influence, confirming their ongoing communication in a recent interview with Turkish outlet TRT Spor.
“The truth is that we had a brilliant relationship. I felt as though he’d handed me the keys,” Guler revealed. “It was exactly what I was looking for, honestly. Now he’s signed for Chelsea. I hope everything goes well for him. Of course, we’re still messaging each other.”
After the Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich, Alonso reportedly sent Guler a message expressing how proud he was of the youngster’s performance. Guler added: “I was really happy to see the message. I hope God smooths his path. I think he’s a great manager.”
Prior to Alonso’s arrival, Guler had managed just 24 La Liga starts across his first two seasons at Real Madrid. Under Alonso’s guidance, that figure surged to 25 league starts in the current campaign alone, despite the player battling injuries toward the end of the season. The trust shown by Alonso helped transform Guler’s role at the club and reinforced his commitment to staying in Madrid.
This strong personal connection stands in stark contrast to Guler’s earlier frustrations, where he reportedly felt “invisible” under previous management. Alonso’s approach signals a player-centric philosophy that could benefit Chelsea’s squad, where every player at Stamford Bridge is likely to feel genuinely considered under the new regime.
As Chelsea prepare for the upcoming season, the potential for a reunion with Guler cannot be ignored. The attacking midfielder’s profile — young, technically gifted, and now proven under Alonso’s management — aligns with the type of dynamic talent the club may need to target.
Reports indicate that Chelsea forward Joao Pedro is attracting serious interest from Barcelona. Should the Brazilian depart, the need for a creative attacker of Guler’s calibre would become even more pressing. A summer move for the Turkish star would not only bring technical quality but also an immediate understanding with the new manager, thanks to their established rapport.
With Alonso set to take charge at Stamford Bridge, his ability to nurture and inspire young talents like Guler could become one of Chelsea’s biggest assets. What began as private messages between coach and player may yet evolve into one of the most intriguing storylines of the summer transfer window.