Chelsea are set for an intriguing summer transfer window as the club enter another new era. Xabi Alonso has been tasked with transforming the team’s fortunes and will begin his work on July 1.
The west London side slumped to 10th in the Premier League, missing out on European football. While the campaign fell far short of expectations, the absence of European competition will give former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid boss Alonso more time to get his methods across on the training pitch.
Chelsea have been remarkably active in the transfer market in recent years and could once more overhaul their squad. The new manager is already set to welcome forwards Geovany Quenda and Emmanuel Emegha after deals were agreed last year, and there will likely be other high-profile additions to come as the summer rolls on.
Meanwhile, Alonso may consider offloading some of Chelsea’s underperforming stars as he prepares for his first season in charge. Here, Mirror Football looks at how Chelsea’s dream attack could line up next term.
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West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen has been linked with Chelsea ahead of the summer window. The Guardian reports that the Blues are one of several clubs interested in the 29-year-old, who could be sold to help the Hammers raise funds after their relegation from the Premier League.
Bowen scored nine goals and provided 11 assists in the Premier League this season and has consistently performed well in the top-flight. He could slot in on the right flank of Chelsea’s attack, offering experienced competition for Estevao, who showed his potential during his first year at Stamford Bridge.
The 19-year-old will need to become accustomed to fighting for his place and could start the season behind Bowen in the pecking order. However, the Brazil international will still expect to be ahead of Geovany Quenda as the Portugal U21 international, who can also operate at right wing-back, prepares to join from Sporting CP.
Bowen’s arrival would push Pedro Neto into a left-wing berth and could ultimately lead to Alejandro Garnacho leaving the club. The former Manchester United star endured a frustrating debut season and Chelsea are already willing to sell the 21-year-old.
View 3 ImagesJarrod Bowen has consistently been a star player for West Ham United(Image: Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Neto contributed 10 goals and assists apiece this season and deserves to keep his place under Alonso. Rivalling the 26-year-old on the left flank would be Jamie Gittens, who will aim to make a bigger impact under the new manager.
Cole Palmer remains the focal point of Chelsea’s team in attacking midfield. The England international may not have enjoyed his best campaign after battling with injuries but Alonso will back himself to bring the best out of Palmer.
Up front, Chelsea have been linked with Bournemouth star Eli Junior Kroupi after his breakout season. The Daily Mail reports that the Cherries are unwilling to sell the 19-year-old, who they believe could become a £100m striker, meaning it may take a sizeable sum for the Blues to land their target.
View 3 ImagesKroupi was prolific for Bournemouth this season(Image: Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Kroupi scored 13 league goals this term and is expected to go from strength to strength after adapting to English football. This could mean he starts the next campaign ahead of Joao Pedro, who was named Chelsea’s player of the season after scoring 20 goals across all competitions but is being linked with Barcelona.
The club could help fund their recruitment plans by selling Nicolas Jackson. The striker spent the season on loan at Bayern Munich, finding the net 11 times, and the 24-year-old would have plenty of suitors.
Incoming Strasbourg captain Emmanuel Emegha adds further depth at centre-forward, despite the Dutchman enduring an injury-hit campaign. Meanwhile, Liam Delap may struggle for regular minutes and could benefit from a Premier League loan move to prove himself to Alonso.
Chelsea’s dream attack: Bowen, Palmer, Neto, Kroupi.
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