Xabi Alonso will officially begin his tenure as Chelsea manager on July 1, tasked with reviving a club still reeling from a deeply disappointing 2025/26 season. While the Spanish coach arrives with a formidable reputation and a four-year contract, his early days at Stamford Bridge are already shaping up to be defined by critical decisions — none more delicate than the one surrounding star attacker Cole Palmer.
Football.london understands that three key transfer targets have now been identified as Chelsea look to strengthen in centre-back, central midfield, and left wing. The club is prioritising ready-made, top-level players with Premier League or elite European experience, aligning with Alonso’s vision for building a squad of strong character capable of turning adversity into momentum.
These incoming deals represent the first concrete steps in Alonso’s rebuild, but they are being overshadowed by the tactical and strategic headache posed by Palmer.
The Palmer Conundrum
Few players have carried Chelsea’s attacking hopes in recent seasons quite like Cole Palmer. The 24-year-old England international remains untouchable in the eyes of the club and is not for sale this summer, despite reported interest from Manchester-based clubs. Yet for Alonso, integrating him effectively presents a genuine dilemma.
During his hugely successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso thrived with a fluid three-at-the-back system. In that setup, Florian Wirtz excelled as one of the “wide” No.10s — operating in the half-spaces between midfield and attack. Sources suggest Alonso sees a similar role as potentially ideal for Palmer, blending the creative freedom of a No.10 with the goal threat and width of a winger.
On paper, it is an enticing prospect. Palmer’s ability to drift, create, and finish makes him a natural fit for such a dynamic position. Get this right, and Chelsea’s attack could flourish with few limits. Get it wrong, however, and the club’s talisman risks becoming unsettled in a new tactical framework — a nightmare scenario for a side already low on confidence.
Rebuilding Belief and Defensive Steel
Alonso’s challenges extend far beyond Palmer’s positioning. Multiple key players grew disillusioned during last season’s struggles. Enzo Fernandez publicly criticised the club’s handling of former manager Enzo Maresca and has since expressed a desire to leave, even with Alonso’s arrival. Chelsea would prefer to keep the Argentina international but will not block a departure if a £120million offer arrives, particularly with interest from Real Madrid.
Marc Cucurella is another player linked with an exit, with Atletico Madrid reportedly monitoring his situation. Alonso’s calibre and charisma may yet persuade some wavering squad members to stay and fight, but restoring belief across the dressing room will be one of his most important early tasks.
On the pitch, the most pressing need is a complete overhaul of the defensive structure. Alonso’s Leverkusen side famously conceded just 24 goals during their unbeaten 2023/24 campaign — a testament to his belief that “defence wins titles.” By contrast, Chelsea shipped 52 goals in 2025/26, nine more than the previous season.
The incoming manager, supported by his trusted coaching staff, will look to implement a more organised and resilient defensive identity from day one. The three targeted signings in centre-back and midfield should provide the foundation, but the real test will be translating philosophy into results.
As Chelsea supporters prepare for a World Cup summer and count down to July 1, cautious optimism surrounds Alonso’s appointment. The Spaniard has been handed significant influence over recruitment, and his alignment with the club’s sporting leadership offers hope for a more cohesive strategy.