Chelsea’s new manager Xabi Alonso has not officially begun his role, but talks are already ongoing with the club’s five sporting directors over summer recruitment.
The 44-year-old has signed a contract at Stamford Bridge until 2030 and will be handed greater influence over transfer plans than his predecessors enjoyed.
BlueCo have placed considerable faith in Alonso, moving away from the more restricted model that previously tied head coaches to recruitment decisions.
Chelsea’s midfield is one of the areas most in need of attention ahead of the 2026/27 season, with the transfer window opening midway through next month.
Before a single player arrives or departs, Alonso already has more than £316million worth of attacking talent within the squad to assess and manage.
Adam Wharton has been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea, and the club are understood to be long-term admirers of the Crystal Palace midfielder.
Many expect Wednesday evening’s Conference League final victory over Rayo Vallecano to have been Wharton’s final match for Crystal Palace, with speculation over his future continuing to grow.
Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest appears to be heading to Manchester City, while long-time Chelsea target Kobbie Mainoo recently extended his contract with Manchester United.
Enzo Fernandez is looking for a move away from Stamford Bridge before the 2026/27 season begins, with Chelsea willing to sell should a £120million offer arrive.
Real Madrid are considered the realistic destination for Fernandez, though it remains unclear whether any club would be prepared to pay well over £100million for him.
Moises Caicedo remains firmly in Chelsea’s long-term plans, with his contract recently extended, and captain Reece James frequently offers an additional midfield presence.
Romeo Lavia, signed for £58million in the summer of 2023, has missed a significant amount of football due to injury since joining the club from then-Manchester City.
Lavia has proven useful when fit and available, but those two conditions have far too rarely been met during his time at Stamford Bridge.
A decision on Lavia’s future could have a direct bearing on Dario Essugo’s situation, with a potential loan move for the Portuguese midfielder depending on that outcome.
Chelsea will be boosted by the imminent arrival of Valentin Barco from sister club Strasbourg, with the Argentina international having agreed a deal to join the Blues.
Barco, who will be involved in World Cup duty this summer, can operate in central midfield and also provide cover at left-back for the west London club.
Andrey Santos will be looking to build on his debut season, having shown glimpses of his talent despite struggling for consistency throughout the campaign.
