Xabi Alonso’s words on his defenders reveals that Chelsea have a lot of work to do in the transfer market in the next weeks.
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Xavi Alonso has been very guarded in his press conferences so far, but something he said last week was quite revealing.
In a season where there will be no European football to help share out minutes, there’s a serious need to trim the squad, especially in defence. Alonso was asked how many central defenders he would like to go into the season with, and he said that four or five would be enough.
It’s a sensible answer – but means a lot of work for Chelsea in the final weeks of the window. Following the signing of Maxence Lacroix, the Blues now have centre backs on their books by our count: Lacroix, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, Josh Acheampong, Aaron Anselmino, Mamadou Sarr, Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile.
Chelsea must press on with defensive sales
Chalobah is almost out of the door – he will go to Como any day now. That still leaves a lot of work. Disasi and Badiashile also have some interest and will be sold if possible.
If Lacroix, Colwill, Tosin and Fofana and Acheampong are the five Alonso keeps, the club have to find sales or loans for Sarr and Anselmino.
In other news…
Chelsea need to shift Marc Guiu – along with a few other players from their squad. Their asking price for the striker isn’t going to help.
It’s been a busy summer for Chelsea so far, and it could be about to get more busy. Pedro Neto is reportedly a target for Man City, whose manager Enzo Maresca wants to be reunited with his former player.