🚨 Sources say those around the club have never seen the kind of training sessions Xabi Alonso has introduced at Chelsea.
The intensity, detail and demands have reportedly taken the squad to another level.
Players are said to be enjoying every session, arriving at training with excitement and eager to work under Alonso.
The atmosphere at Cobham is described as extremely positive, with the squad fully buying into his ideas and methods ahead of the new season.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: According to my sources, Chelsea looked into the possibility of making a move for Vinícius Júnior after uncertainty over his future at Real Madrid.
I'm told the recruitment team discussed the idea with Xabi Alonso during pre-season.
Alonso's response was a straight NO.
The issue wasn't Vinícius' ability. Alonso rates him highly. But according to my source, Alonso doesn't want to repeat what happened during his time at Real Madrid.
He wants a squad where every player fully buys into his tactical ideas and works for the team. At Madrid, there were moments where certain players didn't fully follow tactical instructions, creating tension behind the scenes and making it harder for the team to function the way he wanted.
Because of that experience, Alonso is prioritising players who fit his system and mentality over superstar names.
For him, the right profile is more important than the biggest name.
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🚨 EXCLUSIVE: A source close to Chelsea has revealed that Xabi Alonso is seriously pushing for the signing of Bosnia and Herzegovina international Kerim Alajbegović.
Alonso knows the player from his time in Germany and rates him extremely highly. Kerim Alajbegović is a versatile attacker who can operate as a winger or as a No.10, making him a perfect fit for the new manager’s system.
According to the source, Chelsea are already working behind the scenes to beat rival clubs to his signature.
However, formalising the deal would force Chelsea to carefully consider the futures of Pedro Neto and Gittens. One of them may need to be sold, or Gittens could be sent out on loan, to create space and balance the squad.
With Alonso desperate to bring Kerim Alajbegović in, this could be one of the more interesting decisions of the summer for the Blues.
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🚨EXCLUSIVE: There is growing frustration internally at Chelsea regarding the decision to sell Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid for £55m before the FIFA World Cup.
Sources indicate some figures inside the club now view the timing of the deal as a mistake, believing Chelsea could have secured a significantly higher fee had they waited until after the tournament.
Cucurella has been one of Spain's standout performers at the World Cup, helping La Roja reach the final while conceding just one goal throughout the competition.
Even more impressively, the Spanish left-back has not been dribbled past by a single opponent during the tournament, underlining his importance at both ends of the pitch.
Chelsea's view now is simple: had they waited for the World Cup to finish, Cucurella's value could have risen well beyond the £55m Real Madrid paid.
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🚨EXCLUSIVE: Sources close to Chelsea have told me that Real Madrid have made contact regarding Enzo Fernandez and are seriously considering matching the club's £120m valuation.
Chelsea's position is clear for now: any talks will have to wait until after the FIFA World Cup.
Xabi Alonso sees Enzo as a key part of his plans and is keen for him to stay at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are now considering offering the Argentine midfielder an improved contract with increased wages, while there have also been internal discussions about raising his price above £120m as interest continues to grow.
The feeling inside the club is simple: if Real Madrid want Enzo, they'll have to pay significantly more than they first expected.
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🚨💣 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Chelsea are closely monitoring António Silva's situation after the defender reportedly rejected a new Benfica contract.💙🔥
The Blues could make a move if the price is right, with a deal not expected to affect their interest in Maxence Lacroix.
[Simon Phillips]