Chelsea is closing in on a four-year deal with Xabi Alonso to become their permanent manager following the FA Cup final.

Chelsea is closing in on a four-year deal with Xabi Alonso to become their permanent manager following the FA Cup final. The club plans to back the new boss by targeting two to three seasoned, ready-made players to strengthen the squad and add much-needed experience.

Club Overhaul Strategy

• Managerial Appointment: Alonso has emerged as the primary target for the Chelsea hierarchy, with advanced talks nearing a definitive agreement. The club is waiting to officially formalize his appointment until immediately after the FA Cup clash against Manchester City.

• Player Recruitment Shift: Following a challenging Premier League campaign, Chelsea is adjusting its transfer strategy. The focus will pivot from purely collecting young prospects to signing experienced, "ready-made" professionals who can deliver instant impact.

• Squad Rebuilding: Alonso is expected to have a strong voice in identifying targets, with early reports indicating a need for defensive reinforcements and proven Premier League talent to push the club back into elite contention.

• Chelsea’s players are understood to be excited by Alonso’s arrival. Chelsea have handed more power to Alonso than any other previous coach.

Chelsea ownership have had Alonso as a target since 2024. Alonso is “very very ready” to return. He’s coming to London in the next few days. Announcement imminent. All done

Chelsea fc are accelerating their pursuit for new permanent manager after direct talk with Xabi Alonso who is the leading candidate

 Chelsea are accelerating their search for a new permanent manager and recently held direct talks with Xabi Alonso, who is the leading candidate for the role. The club aims to officially announce a new head coach before the World Cup, with other names like Andoni Iraola, Oliver Glasner, and Marco Silva also on their shortlist.

The club's hierarchy is moving quickly to finalize the managerial position and build a long-term project at Stamford Bridge.

Managerial Search Details

• Leading Target: Chelsea have held in-person meetings with Xabi Alonso, and he is reportedly viewed as an ideal figure by senior players.
• Selection Process: The board is keen to secure the right candidate to lead the squad, with a final decision expected soon.
• Alternative Candidates: Club officials have also considered and engaged in discussions with other managers, including Andoni Iraola, Oliver Glasner, and Marco Silva. 

Romeo Lagos show believe in Chelsea project and future

 Romeo Lavia: “The day I lose belief in the project; I will probably be the first one to leave this place. I 100 per cent believe we will turn it around and get back to the Chelsea everyone knows”

Chelsea forward turn down Barcelona to remain at Chelsea

 It was reported earlier that Barcelona are exploring move for Chelsea Star forward, Joao Pedro. 

Deco who is Barcelona Sporting Director even flew in from Spain to negotiate a deal with the player . 

Unfortunately, Despite widespread narratives regarding South American talents prioritizing moves to La Liga, Chelsea's Joao Pedro has expressed immense satisfaction with life at Stamford Bridge. Growing up with a passion for English football, the Brazilian forward fulfilled a career dream by joining the Premier League, establishing himself as a key figure for the Blues following his development at Watford.

Barca Sporting Director, Deco flying to meet with Joao Pedro in person

 Barcelona are really taking this serious and are ready to go extra length in getting their dream man from Chelsea fc.

Deco is flying to London to meet the agent of Joao Pedro. Deco will scout the player during the FA Cup Final at Wembley, and may even have a face to face meeting with the striker.

Barcelona Reportedly Exploring Move for Chelsea Forward Joao Pedro

 According to recent reports, FC Barcelona is evaluating options to strengthen their attack, with Chelsea's Joao Pedro emerging as a potential target. Sources indicate the Catalan club admires the forward's versatility, though Chelsea may view the player as essential to their long-term project.

Multiple sources suggest Xabi Alonso is gaining support within Chelsea as a leading candidate to become the club's next permanent head coach. Players have reportedly expressed positive views on his potential arrival, with the club exploring options to build a new project under his guidance.

A closer look at this morning's back pages 📰

Barcelona interested in Chelsea's Joao Pedro? 🔵
Chelsea player's reportedly favour Xabi Alonso as next head coach ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/pRUAUaJlSq

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 15, 2026

Robert Sanchez being back is huge plus for Chelsea, this man has real clutch value for us.

Robert Sanchez’s return is a significant boost for Chelsea, adding crucial reliability to the squad. His recent form suggests he is capable of delivering key saves in high-pressure matches like the upcoming final. Furthermore, his increased leadership at the back has been an underrated component of Chelsea's recent defensive stability."

Robert Sanchez being back is huge plus for Chelsea, this man has real clutch value for us.

Feel safe with him in the final, he's definitely going to come up with a big save in the game.

Leadership at the back underrated too.pic.twitter.com/pjS2OxFEcO

— JnR (@CFCJnR) May 14, 2026

Moises Caicedo Selects His Top Chelsea Shirts in New Interview

Chelsea Midfielder Moises Caicedo Reviews Iconic Blues Kits Past and Present

Watch: Moises Caicedo Shares His Thoughts on Chelsea Shirt Designs"

Moises Caicedo rates Chelsea shirts both past and present 👀 pic.twitter.com/YiNf9eoGya

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 14, 2026

Chelsea’s players believe Xabi Alonso is the ideal candidate to become their next head coach

 Chelsea players reportedly view Xabi Alonso as an ideal candidate to take over as head coach, following a turbulent 2025/26 campaign at Stamford Bridge, say multiple reports.

Reports suggest that Xabi Alonso has emerged as a leading candidate for the Chelsea manager position, with reports indicating positive feedback from within the Stamford Bridge dressing room.

Cole Palmer Faces Tough Choices Selecting His Ultimate Chelsea 5-a-Side Team🤣

 In a recent lighthearted feature, Chelsea star Cole Palmer was tasked with picking his top five-a-side team from the current squad. The selection process proved challenging, leading to a friendly, humorous clash with teammate Tosin Adarabioyo over who deserved a spot in the lineup.

Fans love seeing the camaraderie and competitive spirit within the squad as players debate their best combinations.

"Tosin because he kicks everyone" 😅

Cole Palmer clashes with Tosin Adarabioyo when picking his five-a-side team of Chelsea players... 🤣 pic.twitter.com/Ieb8YJssuA

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 14, 2026

Looks like it's Chelsea marketing the new top! Noah Kahan is another one appearing to wear the new home shirt.

 Noah Kahan is a GRAMMY-nominated Vermont-born singer-songwriter known for his introspective folk-pop songs, notably the hit "Stick Season". His music often features acoustic, nature-driven storytelling. His latest album, The Great Divide: The Last Of The Bugs, was released on April 24, 2026

He recently appeared earing the Latest Unrelease version of new Chelsea Home Kit for 26/27 Season

🚨👕 Looks like it's Chelsea marketing the new top! Noah Kahan is another one appearing to wear the new home shirt.#CFC pic.twitter.com/dQieBf2dyj https://t.co/CxV0doZ6Df

— Chelsea Dodgers (@TheBlueDodger) May 14, 2026

Chelsea faces Manchester City in the 2026 Emirates FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 16, marking a historic matchup between two of the competition's most successful recent sides

Chelsea faces Manchester City in the 2026 Emirates FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 16, marking a historic matchup between two of the competition's most successful recent sides. Key statistics since 2016/17 highlight City's 45 wins and 159 goals against Chelsea's 37 wins and 111 goals, promising a high-stakes clash.

Key 2026 FA Cup Final Facts:

• Fixture: Chelsea vs. Manchester City

• Venue: Wembley Stadium, London

• Date: Saturday, 16 May 2026

• Significance: This is the first time these specific two clubs meet in the FA Cup final, despite their dominance in recent years.

• Performance Metrics (Since 2016/17): Manchester City leads in total wins (45) and goals scored (159), followed closely by Chelsea (37 wins, 111 goals).

The match is expected to be a competitive battle between two top-tier English clubs.

Calum McFarlane faces the media ahead of Chelsea's FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley.

 

Chelsea Aim to Replicate Past Tactics in FA Cup Final Against Manchester City

 As Chelsea prepares for the 2026 FA Cup final this Saturday at Wembley, interim manager Calum McFarlane faces the challenge of overcoming Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, a feat last accomplished consistently by former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel.

During the 2020/21 season, Tuchel achieved significant success against Guardiola, defeating City three times, most notably in the Champions League final. In that European triumph, Tuchel’s tactical approach centered on defensive solidity, bravery, and rapid counter-attacks, which led to Kai Havertz’s decisive goal.

Following the 2021 Champions League victory, Tuchel told TNT Sports (via social media) that the goal was to "be a stone in their shoe" and encourage players to "step up and step out, to be more brave and create dangerous counter-attacks" [original context].

McFarlane, having steered the team to a semifinal win, aims to utilize a similar tactical discipline to secure silverware in this weekend’s final.

Xabi Alonso is seeking specific assurances regarding his role before potentially taking charge at Chelsea

 According to reports in The Guardian, Xabi Alonso is seeking specific assurances regarding his role before potentially taking charge at Chelsea, with indications that the club is prepared to meet his requirements.

The reports suggest Alonso is looking for greater influence over player recruitment, a level of authority regarding squad building that differs from the structure applied to previous managers under the BlueCo ownership.

There is a growing sense within the football industry that an agreement will be reached shortly after the FA Cup final, as both parties are keen to align on a long-term vision.