Over the last 24 hours, the Chelsea news cycle seems to have revolved around one name. Xabi Alonso. For the past few weeks, all the talk has been of the club having multiple candidates for the post. But it is hard not to feel that the other two, Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva, have fallen quite some distance back if the coverage over the last day is to be taken into consideration.
Over the last few weeks, the Alonso rumours had also been doing the rounds in the background. But the whispers have turned into unmistakable noises now and have come to the forefront.
Is Alonso going to be the next manager of Chelsea? That is not set in stone. But all the fingers seem to be pointing in that direction. And when a story picks up such momentum, it usually ends up happening.
David Orstein’s update on Xabi Alonso to Chelsea
For many, David Ornstein is the most reliable source in the game. So, they had been waiting for his update on the Alonso situation. And it has come indeed.
Orstein has confirmed that Chelsea are exploring a deal to appoint Alonso as the club’s new head coach. The Spaniard is said to be open to the possibility as well.
Fabrizio Romano’s update
It is not just Ornstein who has come out and dropped an update on the Alonso situation. Fabrizio Romano has as well.
In the case of Romano, it paints a picture that is still quite open. According to the Italian journalist, Alonso would open doors to a Chelsea possibility, which is why you see many stories today. But the Blues are yet to decide who they want as a manager and they want to be very careful in the process.
What Xabi Alonso wants to accept the job
Credit where it is due, one of the first names that had broken the news about Alonso and Chelsea holding positive talks is Simon Phillips. And the journalist came back with another update on the situation this morning.
Once again, it looks like a positive situation, if you want to the Spaniard in the Stamford Bridge hot seat come next season. Phillips has suggested that Alonso is not ‘asking for the keys’ at Chelsea or making any major demands. He is just seeking assurances around recruitment this summer. He wants the club to sign two centre-backs and feels that should be a priority.
