A turbulent season in west London is only getting worse by the day. Ever since the Blues cut ties with Liam Rosenior, who they only just hired to replace Enzo Maresca in January, the team has spiraled further down the Premier League standings, winless in their last seven league matches.
Only lifting the FA Cup on Saturday could salvage the nightmare season, and even that would not be enough to right the sinking ship at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea need the right manager to come in and get the club back on track, and recent reports revealed they are “exploring a deal” for Xabi Alonso.
The 44-year-old, who lasted just 233 days on the Bernabéu touchline, is still considered one of the best managers out of work. Should Chelsea secure his signature this summer, they could also potentially lure a handful of Real Madrid players willing to leave the chaotic scenes in the Spanish capital for a fresh start under their former boss in London.
Here are five players who could swap their white shirts for blue ones and follow Alonso to Stamford Bridge.
5. Fran García
Fran García is likely in search of a new home this summer. The left-back already tried to manufacture a loan move to Bournemouth during the winter transfer window, but Real Madrid reportedly ripped up the deal in the final stages.
The Premier League is clearly on García’s mind, especially as his playing time has dwindled behind Ferland Mendy and Álvaro Carreras. While there may still be room for him at the Bernabéu next season given Mendy’s latest injury setback, the opportunity to reunite with Alonso could prove decisive.
Chelsea already have Marc Cucurella, Jorrel Hato, and the versatile Malo Gusto as options on the left flank, but Cucurella has flirted with a potential move away. García thrived as a left wing-back under Alonso and could return to that role should the Spanish coach implement his favored 3-4-2-1 system at the Blues.
4. Antonio Rüdiger
Antonio Rüdiger is one of several Real Madrid players out of contract at the end of the season, and with little progress made on a new deal, the door is open for a sensational return to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are in desperate need of defensive depth, and Rüdiger — a player who enjoyed significant success in a blue shirt — could represent a cost-effective, short-term solution as a free agent. The Germany international brings proven Premier League experience, allowing him to hit the ground running rather than requiring a lengthy adjustment period.
At 33, Rüdiger remains a commanding presence at his best when allowed to play with his trademark gritty edge.
3. Eduardo Camavinga
Few young midfielders attract as much Premier League interest as Eduardo Camavinga. Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea have all been linked with the France international, who may seek more consistent minutes away from the Bernabéu this summer.
Despite a difficult campaign, the 23-year-old still possesses an enormous ceiling, having already won two Champions League titles. Chelsea have a well-documented appetite for young talents with high potential, and Camavinga’s profile fits perfectly.
Should Enzo Fernández depart this summer — possibly toward Real Madrid — the Blues would require a dynamic, quality midfielder with exactly Camavinga’s skill set to fill the void.
2. Arda Güler
Perhaps the biggest loser from Alonso’s exit from Real Madrid was Arda Güler. After two seasons of limited opportunities, the Spanish coach handed the Turkish talent a permanent place in the starting XI, accelerating his development into a genuine star.
With a new manager arriving at the Bernabéu and fresh midfield competition likely to follow, Güler could once again find himself fighting for minutes. Rather than accept that challenge, the youngster may prefer to reunite with the coach who invested heavily in him on the training ground and showed unwavering belief in his abilities.
Chelsea are crying out for a playmaker to complement Cole Palmer. Güler’s versatility — capable of playing in a deeper role, as a No. 10, or on the right wing — would inject much-needed creativity and spark into the attack.
1. Gonzalo García
The Liam Delap experiment has been a major disappointment at Stamford Bridge, with reports suggesting the striker could leave this summer after managing just three goals in 44 appearances during his debut season.
Delap’s potential exit leaves Chelsea needing a backup striker, while Gonzalo García is also seeking a new challenge. Real Madrid are reportedly open to cashing in on the 22-year-old as they welcome Endrick back to serve as Kylian Mbappé’s deputy.
Gonzalo enjoyed the best football of his career under Alonso. A natural goalscorer with a relentless work rate, he would be ideally suited to make the transition from La Liga to the Premier League and provide valuable support to Chelsea’s attack.