Xabi Alonso's Ideal Transfer Targets For Chelsea Revealed

Whilst everybody's attention may be focused on this summer's FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico that begins in less than 48 hours time from now, there is still a huge summer ahead for Chelsea. 

New manager Xabi Alonso is through the door, and the importance of making sure last season, or anything remotely close, is not repeated. For that to have the best possible chance of being the case, they must back the Spaniard. 

There has been a lot of talk on how Alonso will shape the squad. Will he play a three at the back like he did at Bayer Leverkusen, or will it be more of a flat back four, like he used with Real Sociedad B, or Real Madrid? 

Then, there has also been a lot of interest as to how the transfer window will look. How much control will Alonso get? If he does have control over transfers, which players will he be targeting?

Well, although no specific names have been mentioned, we may have an idea on just what type of player the 44-year old wants. Indeed so, as football.london are reporting that the gaffer wants "top level players" this summer - players with experience in dealing with "some of the sport's most difficult on-pitch challenges". 

They state that Alonso wants to add ready-made winners to his squad, which would not be too dissimilar to his vision at Leverkusen. They point to the fact that one of his first signings at the German side was Granit Xhaka, who ended up being a roaring success during his two years back in the Bundesliga. 

Well, it will certainly be interesting to see who he targets at Chelsea. Although he would still be capable of helping the Blues out, would a turning 34-year old Xhaka be too old to sign?

That's not saying that the report is implying the Swiss international is who Alonso wants in SW6, they were just saying players (or perhaps more importantly, people) of his profile. So, it makes you wonder who exactly.

With Marc Cucurella being consistently linked with a move back to Spain, there is the possibility that Alonso looks to reunite with another compatriot in Alejandro Grimaldo, particularly if he is looking to play with a three at the back. However, the former Benfica man has been outspoken in his wish to also move back to Spain, so perhaps unrealistic. 

Certainly promises to be a very interesting window ahead.