Chelsea optimistic about luring Xabi Alonso but are also eyeing Andoni Iraola

"Chelsea have held encouraging discussions over a move for Xabi Alonso but are keeping their options open and are closely monitoring Andoni Iraola's situation. The west London club are looking for a permanent head coach and it is understood that Alonso and Iraola have emerged as the top picks for the role. Other managers are still under consideration, though, and Chelsea are not expected to rush a final decision on who to appoint."

"The Stamford Bridge hierarchy is confident of attracting their favoured candidate and there is optimism over how early talks with Alonso's camp have gone. The 44-year-old, who announced himself as one of the best young managers in Europe when he won the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024, has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid earlier this season and has been on Chelsea's radar for at least three years."

"There is a feeling inside Chelsea that Alonso's style of play would make him suited to their young squad. The former Spain midfielder's standing within the game would help him control the dressing room and could also help with attracting players to the club. The unknown is whether Alonso decides to move to England now or opts to take a break."

"Other managers are still under consideration, though, and Chelsea are not expected to rush a final decision on who to appoint. Chelsea, who made Calum McFarlane interim head coach until the end of the season after firing Liam Rosenior last month, have also looked at Fulham's Marco Silva, Crystal Palace's Olivier Glasner and the former Flamengo manager Filipe Luis."

Chelsea are seeking a permanent head coach and have identified Xabi Alonso and Andoni Iraola as top candidates. The club is keeping options open and closely monitoring Iraola’s situation while continuing discussions with Alonso. Other managers under consideration include Marco Silva, Olivier Glasner, and Filipe Luis. Chelsea appointed Calum McFarlane as interim head coach after firing Liam Rosenior. The club believes Alonso’s style suits its young squad and that his reputation could help manage the dressing room and attract players. Alonso has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid and is weighing whether to move to England now or take a break, with speculation about waiting for Liverpool being played down.

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