• Premier League

Chelsea in frame for Xabi Alonso bid

ESPN staff
May 3, 2013
Highlights: Chelsea 3-1 FC Basel

Xabi Alonso's proposed summer move to Chelsea now looks even likelier as ESPN learns of club's concrete interest in the player.

The midfielder's future has been the subject of increased speculation over the last two days, with the Independent reporting that he could be available at a cut price in the summer.

It now appears likely that the Jose Mourinho will leave Real Madrid and return to Chelsea and, to a significant degree, it is Alonso's relationship with the coach that is leading to an expected departure from the Bernabeu.

Sources have said that the 31-year-old is "deeply unimpressed" with the current tension at Madrid. While a number of the Spanish side's squad have clashed with Mourinho, Alonso is one of few players to stay ultra loyal to the manager.

Alonso is now believed to want a move away from Spain, preferably to London. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has also previously been an admirer of the midfielder and tried to sign him in 2009 before Alonso moved from Liverpool to Real Madrid.

Yet, although Arsenal may resurrect a bid, there are a number of reasons why he is far more likely to go to Chelsea.

Aside from Alonso wanting to keep working with Mourinho, his position is one area that the club specifically want to improve this summer, and the coach is reported to have made this clear in negotiations.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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