Chelsea's Xabi Alonso targets Nkunku return, youth signings

Chelsea's new era under manager Xabi Alonso is taking shape ahead of his official start date on July 1, with the club actively pursuing transfer targets while solidifying the future of a key academy prospect. Alonso, who was appointed in May on a four-year deal, is influencing squad planning as the club seeks to rebound from a tenth-place Premier League finish.

One of the more surprising developments involves a potential return for forward Christopher Nkunku. Reports indicate Alonso has requested the club explore re-signing the French international from AC Milan, where he has been since a £36 million move in the summer of 2025. Nkunku's initial £52 million transfer to Chelsea in 2023 was hampered by injuries, limiting his impact. While at Milan, he scored eight goals and provided three assists across all competitions last season. The attraction for Alonso reportedly lies in Nkunku's tactical flexibility to play across the front line, fitting a system that values intelligent movement and technical ability. Discussions are said to be ongoing internally, though any move would involve navigating the perception of reacquiring a player previously sold.