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Chelsea announced on Sunday that it had appointed former Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso as manager on a four-year contract starting next season, with the Spaniard also reportedly weighing up a major move for Turkish midfielder Arda Guler from Los Blancos.
The London club turned to Alonso after another turbulent campaign that saw Chelsea lose the FA Cup final to Manchester City and sit ninth in the Premier League with two matches left.
Alonso built his reputation by guiding Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga and German Cup double in the 2023-24 season before taking over at Real Madrid last year. His stint in Madrid ended in January after seven months in charge.
Spanish outlet Fichajes earlier reported that Alonso could accelerate Chelsea’s interest in Arda Guler after taking charge, as the Spanish coach reportedly backed the midfielder strongly during his short spell at Real Madrid.
According to the report, uncertainty surrounding the Turkish international’s role in Madrid has fueled speculation over his future, while a reunion with Alonso in the Premier League is viewed as an attractive option for the player.
Real Madrid is not believed to be actively pushing Guler toward the exit, but the report claimed the Spanish club could consider negotiations if an offer close to €100 million ($113 million) arrives.
Chelsea, known for heavy spending in recent transfer windows, reportedly sees the 20-year-old as one of Europe’s standout young attacking talents because of his creativity, technical quality and attacking vision.
Any potential deal is expected to depend heavily on Alonso’s plans at Chelsea and the role he sees for Guler in the club’s next phase.
This season, the Turkish international has made 50 appearances, scoring six goals and providing 14 assists.
Guler remains under contract until the summer of 2029 and has a market value of €90 million ($102 million), according to Transfermarkt.
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