Chelsea are currently eyeing a sensational move for the ‘world-class’ attacker, with new manager Xabi Alonso considered a big fan.
Alonso will be absent from Europe in his first year as Chelsea manager
Alonso is set to officially take over as Chelsea manager on July 1, with the former Real Madrid manager not taking part in European football during his first year in charge, with his new team finishing 10th in the Premier League after losing 2-1 to Sunderland in the final round.
Former midfielder Gus Poyet suggested missing out on Europe could be a blessing for the Spaniard, saying: “I’m going to say something really bad and I’m not afraid to say it. It’s better for the manager that way.”
“For Xabi Alonso, it’s better because he has more time to work during the week. When you start playing every week, you don’t have time to properly integrate your system. That’s exactly what he did at Leverkusen. Teams need time, and the time you get over the weekend by not playing European football is invaluable.”
However, the continent’s best players ultimately want to compete in the top competition, so the lack of an offer for Champions League football could impact the Blues’ summer transfer business.
However, BlueCo have still identified some ambitious targets, with Premier League stars emerging as options.
Chelsea plan sensational move for Liverpool star
According to a report from Football Insider, Chelsea are currently planning a surprise move for Liverpool star Florian Wirtz, who joined Anfield from Bayer Leverkusen in a £116m deal last summer.
The Blues are very keen to sign the former Leverkusen man, as Alonso is a big fan of the former playmaker, and there is a feeling the Reds will let him go for the right price.
The German’s first season in the Premier League wasn’t exactly prolific, with five goals and four assists in 33 games, but he received support from national team manager Julian Nagelsmann at the end of March.
The German national team coach said: “What stands out is his dedication as a number 10. He runs a lot and works very hard.”
“He is already a world-class footballer and if he continues to perform at that level he will remain at the top for a long time.”
Alonso also knows how to get the best out of the 23-year-old, given his impressive 46 goals in 63 Bundesliga games in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.
However, given that Wirtz has yet to ignite the Premier League, Chelsea should probably avoid signing him this summer, having already spent heavily in recent transfer windows.
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