Xabi Alonso has begun his reign as Chelsea manager, taking charge of his first first-team training session. The new head coach was joined by several first-team players, including Cole Palmer, Estevao Willian, and Joao Pedro, as he begins outlining his plans for the coming campaign.
Alonso is already shaping the club’s recruitment strategy. One prominent target reportedly positioned at the top of his wishlist is Eduardo Camavinga, the Real Madrid midfielder. Transfer expert Ekrem Konur has stated that Alonso has “initiated contact” regarding Camavinga, signaling Chelsea’s serious interest in bringing the French international to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Camavinga, who has played a key role for Real Madrid, is viewed by the Spanish club as a vital part of its long-term plans. This stance means any potential deal would require careful negotiation and a compelling offer to persuade Real Madrid to part with one of their core players. At the moment, Real Madrid has not prioritized selling Camavinga, making Chelsea’s pursuit a high-stakes challenge. Nevertheless, Alonso’s persistence and Chelsea’s intent to inject greater energy into the midfield keep the pursuit alive.
Early discussions reportedly suggest that any formal bid would need to be in the vicinity of €60 million to test the waters. While this figure is below Real Madrid’s internal valuation of Camavinga, it represents the opening stage of what could become a major transfer saga over the summer.
The possible move for Camavinga comes as Chelsea seek to bolster midfield depth, particularly after the sale of Andrey Santos to Manchester United, which will boost the club’s finances by around £50 million. Strengthening the engine room remains a priority for Alonso as he shapes a squad capable of competing at the highest level and challenging for European football again next season.
Chelsea is counting on Alonso’s influence in the transfer market. His ability to persuade players and brokers, demonstrated by past successes, is viewed as a key asset in rebuilding a squad that endured a difficult 2025/26 campaign. Alonso’s appointment signaled a shift in Chelsea’s strategic approach, with the club hoping his experience and connections can help land high-profile targets, including Camavinga, who has previously worked with Alonso at Real Madrid.
As the new managerial era begins, the club faces the challenge of convincing Camavinga to leave Real Madrid and potentially accept a move to the Premier League. Chelsea aims to return to Europe’s top competition, and Alonso’s arrival has increased the optimism around the club’s transfer strategy.
In the coming weeks, Chelsea fans can expect a clearer picture of which targets will be pursued and how aggressively the club will bid for top midfield talent. The balance between Chelsea’s financial power, Alonso’s drawing power, and Real Madrid’s willingness to negotiate will shape one of the summer’s most closely watched transfer stories.
