Chelsea worked extensively behind the scenes to convince Alonso to take the job, with Flashscore revealing last week that he had emerged as the club’s primary target.
Sources have explained that Alonso’s modern coaching methods align closely with Chelsea’s long-term vision. There is also confidence within the hierarchy that his reputation and standing in world football will help attract elite talent to Stamford Bridge.
The appointment marks a major shift in profile compared to previous considerations. While Liam Rosenior had admirers internally after his work at sister club Strasbourg, he lacked Alonso’s pedigree both as a player and manager, something that made it difficult to command authority at the very highest level.
Chelsea believe Alonso will have the opposite effect, and that could influence both incomings and outgoings this summer.
On one side, the club feel his presence will strengthen their ability to recruit players capable of improving the first team immediately. On the other, they hope it will help convince several key stars to continue buying into the project.
Three names viewed as especially important are Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer, all of whom could thrive under Alonso’s leadership.
After agreeing to join Chelsea, Alonso said: “We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies.”
Alonso will carry the title of manager, and as such Chelsea’s structure becomes more collaborative. He is expected to work closely with the sporting directors and club hierarchy on recruitment decisions, and planning for the summer rebuild is already underway.
Goalkeeper has been viewed internally as a problem position for some time. If Chelsea decide against continuing with Robert Sanchez as first choice, Mike Maignan remains on the radar as someone they could attempt to sign.
However, there is also growing belief that highly-rated Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders could be ready to compete for the No.1 role after impressing on loan at Strasbourg.
Defensively, Chelsea are considering significant changes. Premier League-based targets include Maxence Lacroix, Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi. But recruitment staff also admire Ousmane Diomande at Sporting CP, and scouts have closely monitored Joel Ordonez at Club Brugge.
The futures of Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile are both uncertain heading into the window.
There has also been speculation surrounding Cucurella’s future, but Chelsea are keen for the Spaniard to remain at the club - and Alonso is believed to share that view.
He is not demanding total control over recruitment, but has sought assurances that Chelsea will reinforce key problem areas, particularly in defence.
Chelsea are still expected to consider strengthening in central midfield, too. Alex Scott of Bournemouth is one player being monitored closely as the club assess options from within the Premier League.
There will also be a renewed push to secure Fernandez’s long-term future with an improved contract, similar to the approach taken previously with Moises Caicedo.
At Flashscore, we recently reported that Chelsea never viewed the speculation linking Fernandez with Real Madrid as inevitable, and Alonso’s arrival has only strengthened confidence that he can be retained.
In attacking areas, Chelsea have explored a move for Anthony Gordon, but the winger is understood to favour Bayern Munich as his preferred destination.
Creativity will still be added, however, with Chelsea already agreeing a deal with Sporting CP for highly-rated Portugal Under-21 winger Geovany Quenda and other options will be under consideration.
A new centre-forward is also expected to arrive. We previously reported that Liam Delap is likely to move on, and Dusan Vlahovic could emerge as an interesting option amid ongoing uncertainty over his contract situation at Juventus.
Chelsea must also make a major decision regarding Nicolas Jackson, who is valued internally at around £60 million should the club decide to sell.
With Alonso now at the centre of Chelsea’s rebuild, this summer is shaping up to be a defining moment.
