Chelsea are preparing for a new era under Xabi Alonso and will be hoping they can find some consistency next season.
The Blues were involved in the battle for Champions League qualification throughout the campaign, but after two managerial changes they fell at the final hurdle and suffered defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
A clean slate at Stamford Bridge will be warmly welcomed, and the appointment of former Real Madrid boss Alonso will give frustrated supporters something to believe in as patience with the ownership continues to wear thin.
Who are Chelsea’s targets this summer?
While Chelsea have become renowned for targeting young talent with the potential to develop, it appears they are ready to alter their approach.
It has been widely reported that the club will prioritise the signings of Premier League-proven and experienced players who can make an instant impact in west London, putting Alonso in the best possible position to secure and retain Champions League football.
In terms of positional priorities, Chelsea are keen to add a centre-back and a versatile attacker to strengthen their efforts in front of goal.
Who are Chelsea linked with?
Following the departure of Marc Cucurella, it would be expected that a left-back will also be added to the club’s list of priorities this summer.
Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso has been closely linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, while Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha and Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix have also emerged as potential targets.
Perhaps the most controversial link to surface since Alonso’s appointment is the possibility of a reunion with one of his most influential players during his time at Bayer Leverkusen.
According to Football Insider, Chelsea are monitoring Florian Wirtz’s situation at Liverpool.
The publication claims Alonso remains a huge admirer of the talented attacker and that Liverpool would be open to a deal, though Chelsea would only pursue a move if they were to part ways with Enzo Fernandez.
Would Liverpool sell Florian Wirtz?
Despite a difficult debut season adapting to the demands of the Premier League and the turbulence surrounding Liverpool under Arne Slot, the Reds invested £116m to sign Wirtz just 12 months ago.
With the appointment of attack-minded coach Andoni Iraola, it seems highly unlikely that Liverpool would sanction a departure without first giving the former AFC Bournemouth manager an opportunity to get the best out of the Germany international.
Should Liverpool be open to a sale, they would almost certainly demand a fee in excess of what they originally paid, given Wirtz’s undeniable ability to elevate any side.
Whether Iraola can unlock even more from the midfielder than Alonso managed at Leverkusen remains to be seen, but parting ways with such a significant investment after only one season could prove a costly mistake if Chelsea were to reap the rewards.
Should Chelsea sign Florian Wirtz?
While the move would make sense given Alonso’s relationship with the player, the financial commitment required and the complexities of negotiating with Liverpool could make it an unrealistic pursuit.
The 23-year-old, once described as a “special player” by the Chelsea boss, is likely to remain a key figure under Iraola next season and should benefit from a fresh start under a manager whose tactical philosophy is built around progressive, attacking football.
Rather than pursuing a deal that appears difficult to complete, Chelsea may be better served focusing their efforts on more attainable targets, ensuring Alonso has the strongest possible squad available for a crucial pre-season ahead of his first campaign in charge.
Chelsea need stability, leadership and experience if they are to make meaningful progress and re-establish themselves among the Premier League’s elite.
With the advantage of not competing in Europe next season, there is a genuine opportunity for the Blues to capitalise on the congested fixture schedules of their rivals and, at the very least, secure Champions League qualification while mounting another strong cup run.
Ultimately, Wirtz is exactly the calibre of player Chelsea should aspire to sign under Alonso.
However, ambition and the realistic outcome are often very different things in the transfer market.
Unless Liverpool’s stance changes dramatically, the Blues may find that their time is better spent pursuing targets whose signatures are genuinely attainable this summer.
