Xabi Alonso drops major transfer hint with five Chelsea stars set to leave

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that he only wants four or five centre-backs in his first-team squad next season, with a number of stars therefore set to depart before Deadline Day.

The €60.7 million signing of Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix was officially announced on Thursday, and Chelsea are now expected to turn their attention to player sales following the arrival of the Frenchman.

Current ETV

Maxence Lacroix

D (C)

Chelsea

Maxence Lacroix

D (C)

Chelsea

€46.4M

ETV Range

€41.8M - €51.1M

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The Blues currently have 10 senior central defenders on their books - Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Josh Acheampong, Mamadou Sarr, Aaron Anselmino, and Lacroix - and Alonso has admitted that he wants this number to drastically reduce before the summer transfer window closes on 1 September.

When asked how many centre-backs he wants in his squad next season ahead of his side’s pre-season friendly against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, Alonso admitted: “Four or five. Is that accurate enough?”

Chalobah, Disasi and Badiashile are expected to be sold on permanent deals this summer, with the former in advanced talks over a move to Serie A outfit Como, while Chelsea are keen to finalise loan deals for Sarr and Anselmino.

Acheampong and Fofana have been linked with possible exits too, although they could be kept in west London to provide depth alongside Tosin. Jorrel Hato is also capable of playing at centre-back, having fulfilled that role during his debut campaign, but he is expected to become Chelsea’s new left-back this season following the sale of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid.

Maxence Lacroix transfer verdict

Lacroix, 26, has become Alonso’s third signing as Chelsea manager and the new Blues boss confirmed his admiration for the Frenchman following his official arrival at Stamford Bridge.

“I know Maxence from my time in the Bundesliga, but I think that his progression and his adaptation in the Premier League has been fantastic,” Alonso told reporters in Sydney.

“Not just on the pitch as well, in terms of personality, leadership, he has these attributes. A very reliable player that will give us power in the defensive line, that has this assurance to have a direct impact on the team, I'm sure. So it's a great signing for now and for the future.”

Alonso added: “He has a strong personality. He's mature, he wants to win, he has a winner mentality. And as well, he loves to defend and that's something I like as well.”

Lacroix made 98 appearances across a two-year spell at Crystal Palace before his move to Chelsea, helping the Eagles win the UEFA Conference League, the FA Cup and the Community Shield.