How Chelsea's attack could look under Xabi Alonso with Bowen, Kroupi and a Garnacho exit

Xabi Alonso will officially take charge at Chelsea on July 1, inheriting a squad that finished 10th in the Premier League and missed out on European football entirely. The former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid manager has been tasked with a significant rebuild, and the summer transfer window is expected to be busy.

Two forward signings are already in place before Alonso has taken a single training session. Deals for Geovany Quenda, the Portugal under-21 international joining from Sporting CP, and Emmanuel Emegha were agreed last year and both players are set to arrive ahead of the new campaign.

The most prominent name linked with a fresh addition is West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen. According to The Guardian, Chelsea are among several clubs interested in the 29-year-old winger, who could be available after West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League. Bowen contributed nine goals and 11 assists in the top flight this season and would offer experienced competition on the right flank, where 19-year-old Estevao showed considerable promise during his debut year at Stamford Bridge.

Should Bowen arrive, the knock-on effect could see Pedro Neto shift to the left wing. Neto registered 10 goals and 10 assists this season and is expected to retain his place under the new manager, with Jamie Gittens providing competition on that flank. The reshuffle would likely accelerate the departure of Alejandro Garnacho, who endured a difficult debut season after joining from Manchester United. Chelsea are already reported to be willing to sell the 21-year-old Argentine.

Cole Palmer remains the central creative figure in Alonso’s plans despite an injury-disrupted campaign. The England international is expected to be a cornerstone of whatever system the new manager implements.

Up front, Chelsea have been linked with Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi, though the source article was truncated before full details of that reported interest were provided. Kroupi has been valued in the region of £100 million.

The absence of European competition, while a disappointment, does give Alonso an extended pre-season window to embed his methods before competitive football resumes.