Xabi Alonso becomes leading contender for Chelsea job as Premier League bosses and former Blues player considered

Xabi Alonso is emerging as one of the leading contenders to become Chelsea’s new manager, talkSPORT understands.

The Blues have held talks with the ex-Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen boss about taking charge at Stamford Bridge next season.

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Sources with knowledge of the process have indicated that those discussions have been relatively positive and that Alonso is keen on managing in the Premier League.

Officially, Chelsea are mid-way through appointing a successor to Liam Rosenior and would ideally like to have their new man in place before the 2026 World Cup starts on June 11.

Fulham’s Marco Silva and outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola are both on the list, as previously reported by talkSPORT.

Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and ex-Flamengo chief and former Chelsea player Filipe Luis are also under consideration.

Luis, also on Palace’s shortlist of possible Glasner replacements, was another name Chelsea discussed before appointing Rosenior.

However, talks centred more around Luis going to Strasbourg.

The 40-year-old Brazilian is also still in the process of getting his A-license, following his shock sacking at the start of March.

Cesc Fabregas is another name known to be admired by Chelsea. The one-time Blues midfielder has said he’s intent on staying at Como.

Francesco Fariola also has admirers. Sources close to the Porto boss claim he’s set to remain in Portugal.

If Alonso does end up at Stamford Bridge, that would give Palace encouragement that they can convince Iraola to take over from Glasner at Selhurst Park.

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Attracting attention

Since leaving Real Madrid in January, Alonso has been strongly tipped to make a return to the Premier League this summer.

The ex-Liverpool midfielder has long been linked to his old side, with manager Arne Slot coming under increasing scrutiny.

Meanwhile, he has also been tipped to potentially take over at Newcastle should Eddie Howe leave the club this summer.

And Alonso, who won 24 of 34 games as Real boss, reportedly turned down an approach from Marseille in February too.

For now though, he remains a free agent and it seems plenty are going to be circling for the former Spain international.

But it’s Chelsea now looking to potentially make their move.

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Alonso’s managerial record

As mentioned, Alonso boasted an impressive record at Real Madrid, only losing six of his 34 games in charge of the club.

However, with rivals Barcelona storming ahead in La Liga and also beating his side in the Spanish Super Cup, he was sacked.

But he remains a sought-after manager, especially considering his impressive spell as Leverkusen boss in Germany.

The 44-year-old remarkably won 89 of his 140 games in charge and led the team to their first-ever Bundesliga title.

Alonso masterminded their incredible Invincible campaign before going on to become Real manager.

Now, a challenge in the Premier League may be the next step for him, as Chelsea aim to decide on their next boss soon.