Xabi Alonso has emerged as the front-runner for the Chelsea job in a move that indicates the club are willing to cede more power to the manager over recruitment.
The i Paper understands that the Blues are showing serious interest in former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid boss Alonso, who is open to the prospect of a move to Stamford Bridge despite the travails of previous managers Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.
Chelsea have other candidates with Fulham’s Marco Silva and Bournemouth’s soon-to-be free agent Andoni Iraola both of interest, but Alonso has some high-profile backing inside the ownership group and would represent something of a coup given he is one of the hottest managerial properties on the market.
He might also be an option if Arne Slot leaves Liverpool though at the moment they are planning to retain him for next season, despite the club’s apparent regression.
Alonso wants to get back into management this summer so is unlikely to hang on in case that stance changes.
Early indications are that Chelsea want to have an appointment lined up for shortly after the end of the campaign, with a potentially substantial rebuild job ahead of them this summer.
Como’s Cesc Fabregas, whose spell as a player at Stamford Bridge has made him the pick of many supporters, has also been linked with the role but the early indications are that he will stay in Italy for another season.
Interest in Alonso suggests that the “period of reflection” that Chelsea’s owners mentioned in the statement that accompanied Rosenior’s departure has led to them conceding that the manager must be given more influence on the direction of travel with key issues like transfers.
That did not help his credibility with certain players and there is a feeling that a stronger voice with a more substantial CV is required to steady a listing ship.
Maresca’s departure came amid reports that his relationship with the club’s hierarchy had broken down and he had clashed with them over transfers.
As reported by The i Paper last week, he is now poised to succeed Pep Guardiola if the Catalan decides to leave Manchester City at the end of the season.
It is highly unlikely that Alonso would even entertain the idea of joining Chelsea if he was to be similarly undermined on recruitment, especially with the Blues facing a huge close season for overhauling their squad.
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The Blues have ambitious transfer targets themselves, including Elliot Anderson, who is being targeted by Manchester City and Manchester United, but those appear unrealistic while the club are perceived to be in turmoil off the field.
Chelsea have a chance to salvage something from an underwhelming campaign in Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City but given their substantial outlay on players and the size of their wage bill, they cannot afford to have a prolonged absence from the Champions League so their next managerial appointment is crucial.
