Xabi Alonso may not have officially taken charge of Chelsea yet, but the Spaniard will already be looking ahead to this summer’s transfer window.
The former Spain international was confirmed as Chelsea’s new manager earlier this month, officially succeeding Liam Rosenior who was dismissed in April.
Chelsea failed to qualify for Europe this season, meaning Alonso will be able to focus solely on the domestic competitions in his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge.
Ahead of the summer transfer window opening, it has emerged that Alonso is eyeing a move to sign a cut-price midfielder from La Liga.
As per Fichajes, via CaughtOffside, Alonso is keen to add Alaves midfielder Antonio Blanco to his squad this summer.
The report from Spain claims that Chelsea could look to secure a surprise move for the central midfielder, who has quietly impressed for Alaves this term.
Blanco has emerged as a surprise target for Chelsea (Photo: Action Plus Sports Images/Alamy)
Blanco, 25, is a product of Real Madrid’s Castilla academy system and first joined Alaves on loan in January 2023, before making the move permanent six months later.
In total he has now played more than 130 times for Alaves across all competitions, having featured just six times during his time with Los Blancos.
The report suggests that the Blues are determined to sign Blanco this summer, with the Spaniard likely to be available for a fee of around £8.6 million.
Blanco’s contract with the Basque side is set to run until the end of next season, but Alonso is said to be keen to bring the player to west London this summer.
The Spaniard’s versatility will likely appeal to Alonso, as he is able to operate as a defensive midfielder or in a more advanced role.