Xabi Alonso may face a challenging summer at Chelsea as Real Madrid reportedly express interest in several key players from the Blues’ squad. The potential departures come after a disappointing 2025-26 campaign for Chelsea, which saw them finish 10th in the Premier League and miss out on European qualification.
Alonso, who recently agreed to a four-year deal with Chelsea after being sacked by Real Madrid in January, is tasked with rebuilding the team. However, several players are reportedly unhappy with the club’s trajectory, particularly following the departure of Enzo Maresca and the appointment of Liam Rosenior as manager.
Midfielder Enzo Fernandez is among those considering a move away from Stamford Bridge, with Real Madrid and Manchester City both showing interest. According to Spanish source Defensa Central, Madrid president Florentino Perez views Fernandez’s acquisition as a significant asset in his upcoming presidential election on June 7, believing the Argentine international would be a major coup for the club. Fernandez himself indicated during the March international break that he would be open to playing for Madrid at some point in his career.
Chelsea originally paid £107 million for Fernandez and currently value him at £120 million, but Perez has reportedly already approved a deal for the player with new manager Jose Mourinho. Madrid are also considering a cash-plus-player offer to potentially lower the overall fee.
Alongside Fernandez, Real Madrid are also monitoring Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella and Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol. Cucurella, who cost Chelsea £56 million rising to £63 million, is reportedly willing to leave if a suitable offer arrives, with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid also expressing interest, as well as a potential reunion with Maresca at Manchester City. Gvardiol, capable of playing as both a left-back and centre-half, is also on Madrid’s radar, and has reportedly indicated a desire to join the club. Bayern Munich are also pursuing Gvardiol, with sources suggesting he prefers a move to the German champions, creating competition for Madrid.
These potential departures represent a significant challenge for Alonso as he attempts to reshape the Chelsea squad and restore the club to its former glory.
