Chelsea receive official verdict on Xabi Alonso's latest target

11 Oct 2026 18:11 BST 2 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

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Roberto De Zerbi has admitted that Tottenham Hotspur wonderkid Luca Williams-Barnett is a “special player” following rumours that Chelsea are interested in a possible deal.

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The 18-year-old was included in Spurs’ first-team squad photo earlier this month, but he hasn’t been included in a Premier League matchday squad since the club’s 3-0 defeat to Brentford in the opening fixture of the new season.

Williams-Barnett has emerged as a possible target for Chelsea in recent days and it’s understood that a deal may be pursued in 2027 if the teenager fails to work his way into De Zerbi’s thinking over the next few months.

The England U19 starlet scored against Norway and the United States of America during the recent international break, but he was once again omitted for Tottenham’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United on Saturday evening, despite strong fan pleas to give him an opportunity.

“I'm thinking. I'm thinking because he's another special player. But he's very young, and the management of the very, very young players is very complicated,” De Zerbi told reporters when asked if Williams-Barnett deserves a chance in the Spurs team.

“Because sometimes you want to be the good of the players, of you. But you are not doing the good of the player. But I think he arrived [at] the moment when Luca would play because he's special.”

He continued: “Special talent. Special personality also. Because he's arrogant, but arrogant good for football. Because you have to believe in yourself. Not forgetting to be humble. Anyway, humility, but believe in yourself, and the right example is Luca.”

© IMAGO - Luca Williams-Barnett, Tottenham

Chelsea to sign Luca Williams-Barnett?

While Williams-Barnett is yet to force his way into the Spurs team, it appears as though De Zerbi is willing to give him a first-team opportunity soon and this could convince him to stay at the club.

Chelsea are therefore unlikely to secure a deal unless he continues to be overlooked by De Zerbi. In addition, The Sun report that Tottenham have opened contract extension talks with Williams-Barnett’s representatives amid interest from Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and Manchester United.

However, a transfer could feasibly be arranged if Williams-Barnett asks to leave Tottenham in search of a better first-team pathway.