Xabi Alonso confirms Chelsea transfer 'plan' after Morgan Rogers deal

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has admitted that he expects the club to be extremely busy in the market until the end of Transfer Deadline Day on 1 September.

The Blues have already spent over €280 million on six new players so far this summer, including the arrival of Morgan Rogers for a club-record fee, but Alonso has confirmed that more additions will be finalised over the coming weeks.

Current ETV

Morgan Rogers

M (CL)

Chelsea

Morgan Rogers

M (CL)

Chelsea

€65.1M

ETV Range

€58.6M - €71.7M

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Chelsea, who finished 10th in the Premier League last season, are expected to announce the signing of Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix shortly, while they remain in talks with Rayo Vallecano over a possible deal for left-back Pep Chavarria.

In addition, the west London giants are also set to sanction the permanent departures of several first-team stars, including Trevoh Chalobah, David Datro Fofana and potentially Nicolas Jackson, with players such as Shumaira Mheuka and Marc Guiu expected to be sent on loan.

Speaking to reporters about his side’s upcoming business, Alonso said: “We have to be ready. The market is open for a few weeks.

“We need to be aware of different positions, different situations, so for sure, we have a plan, an idea, and we need to assess in the right moments.

“We can’t say what’s going to happen but some things might happen. We need to know that probably there will still be some movements. We need to be flexible and quick to act.

“The main thing is that we have a clear idea, a clear plan that we have built. Probably it will change until the last day of the market being open.

“We want to build a competitive team. We are in that process. We have great quality, great talent, and we need to know what it takes to compete in the Premier League. We want a squad with the right balance between quality and mentality.”

Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers plan

Meanwhile, Alonso has also confirmed that close friends Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers will play together next season, despite the fact both stars prefer to be deployed in a No.10 position.

“In that position we needed an important player and I'm sure there were not many better options than Morgan Rogers,” he admitted.

“You need players who can have that almost instant impact and I'm sure Morgan won't need much time to adapt to the club, the system and his team-mates. That was the idea, to get a top player, and Morgan is one of them.”

Alonso added: "I have a plan. I have an idea. I can see them [Palmer and Rogers] linking really well.

“We need to have a good mix. If we get that balance right and those special players in the right positions, with good control, then we will be more competitive with and without the ball.”