Fans are hoping that Xabi Alonso is the one to turn things around for Chelsea after four disappointing seasons under BlueCo ownership. That is easier said than done. Pretty much every head coach has failed so far. The only one to bring any silverware to the club during this era, Enzo Maresca, chose to walk away six months later. The last one, Liam Rosenior, was sacked three months into a six-and-a-half-year deal.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Chelsea under Alonso. He is a very good manager, but he is not a magician. He will need to be backed in the summer window if the club are to have any hope of turning things around.
Chelsea are expected to sign at least two starting-level players this summer. But on top of that, there could be more additions depending on exits.
Marc Cucurella is one player who has been heavily linked with a move away. The club are believed to be open to the idea if the right offer comes in. On the other hand, it looks like a potential replacement is already in their sights. According to reports in Italy (via Metro), Chelsea have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus this summer.
Xabi Alonso wanted Andrea Cambiaso at Real Madrid
According to the report, Alonso had also explored the idea of signing Cambiaso while at Real Madrid. It did not happen back then. Could the story be different at Chelsea?
We shall find out. But he certainly does seem like the kind of full-back that Alonso has had success with in the past.
It is hard not to draw comparisons with Alejandro Grimaldo of Bayer Leverkusen. Cambiaso plays more like a winger than a left-back.
Incidentally, Grimaldo himself could be available this summer. It has been suggested that he is eyeing a move to La Liga. Perhaps the presence of Alonso could change his mind and lead him to the Premier League.
Would Cambiaso be able to replace Cucurella for Chelsea?
There is no doubt that his best traits lie as a wing-back. There will be question marks on the defensive side of his game. But going forward, he can make a difference for the team. He is comfortably playing inverted and is a good passer of the ball, showing traits to replace Cucurella.
Obviously, not everything is going to be perfect when it comes to any deal. Cambiaso does not seem as good of a defender as Cucurella. Not even close.
That is honestly surprising, considering he plays in Serie A, a league known for the defensive side of the game. Juventus could allow him to leave this summer after failing to qualify for the Champions League.
The transfer fee is expected to be in the €40-50 million region. That figure makes sense for a full Italian international with four years of experience playing for Juventus.
