Real Madrid forward Arda Guler has revealed he maintains contact with newly appointed Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, fueling speculation about a potential move to Stamford Bridge. Alonso, who left Real Madrid in January after a brief eight-month spell, significantly impacted Guler’s development, providing him with opportunities he hadn’t previously received under Carlo Ancelotti.
Guler started just 15 matches across La Liga and the Champions League in the 2024-25 season, but quickly became a key player under Alonso, starting five of Real Madrid’s six matches at the Club World Cup. He continued this form into the 2025-26 season, finishing with 20 goal contributions in 51 appearances, including a notable brace against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. The 21-year-old had previously been linked with a departure from Real Madrid before Alonso’s arrival, and his strong relationship with the manager has prompted rumours of a summer transfer to Chelsea.
Guler publicly expressed his gratitude towards Alonso on Instagram following the manager’s departure, stating that Alonso’s belief and guidance were instrumental in his growth as a player. He reiterated this sentiment in a recent interview with TRT Spor, describing their relationship as “brilliant” and confirming they are still in communication. While maintaining contact with former managers is common, Guler’s strong bond with Alonso could be a significant factor in any potential move.
Meanwhile, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has reportedly informed the club of his desire to leave this summer following their failure to qualify for European competition. The Argentina international has expressed interest in joining Real Madrid, and Los Blancos president Florentino Perez is known to be an admirer. However, Chelsea have valued Fernandez at close to €140 million, a fee Real Madrid may be unwilling to meet. This has led to speculation about a possible player-plus-cash swap deal, with Guler emerging as a potential candidate to move to Chelsea. His situation at Real Madrid could also become less secure if Nico Paz returns to the club from Como this summer, making a move to London more appealing.
