Arda Guler reveals ongoing contact with Xabi Alonso amid Chelsea transfer links

Arda Guler has publicly confirmed he remains in regular contact with Xabi Alonso after the incoming Chelsea manager left Real Madrid in January, a relationship that could prove significant if the Blues move for the Turkish midfielder this summer.

Alonso spent just seven months at the Bernabeu before being dismissed, but that spell appears to have left a lasting impression on Guler. Speaking to Turkish broadcaster TRT Spor, the 21-year-old said: “The truth is that we had a brilliant relationship. I felt as though he’d handed me the keys. It was exactly what I was looking for, honestly. Now he’s signed for Chelsea. I hope everything goes well for him. Of course, we’re still messaging each other.”

The connection between the two is rooted in a notable turnaround in Guler’s fortunes at Real Madrid. Before Alonso’s arrival, the attacking midfielder had managed just 24 La Liga starts across his first two seasons at the club, with reports suggesting he felt “invisible” under Carlo Ancelotti during a difficult opening 18 months in Spain. Under Alonso, Guler made 25 league starts in a single campaign — more than his entire previous output — despite injury curtailing his involvement towards the end of the season.

Guler also spoke warmly about Alonso’s tactical acumen and his ability to communicate with players individually. “When he calls you into his office and explains something about tactics, it’s very hard not to be convinced. He knows exactly what you’re capable of. He knows exactly what he can offer you. In other words, he is a man who, probably, wakes up every day thinking about how to improve a player, how to communicate with him.”

Alonso also sent Guler a personal message following Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich. “After the match against Bayern Munich, he told me he was very proud of me,” Guler said. “I was really happy to see the message. I hope God smooths his path. I think he’s a great manager.”

Chelsea’s potential interest in Guler may be shaped partly by circumstances elsewhere in their squad. Joao Pedro is reportedly attracting attention from Barcelona, and should the Brazilian depart Stamford Bridge, the club could look to bring in a creative attacking player to fill the void — a profile Guler fits closely.

Whether Real Madrid would sanction a sale remains unclear, but Alonso’s established rapport with the player and Guler’s own openness about their continued communication suggest the groundwork for a move, at least on a personal level, is already in place.