Chelsea’s 2026/27 Premier League campaign begins with a west London derby as Xabi Alonso takes charge for the very first time at Craven Cottage on August 24.
The Blues face Fulham in the opening round of fixtures, giving Alonso a high-profile and locally charged debut as the club’s new manager in what promises to be a compelling start to the season.
Alonso officially begins his role on July 1, and he will work alongside Chelsea’s five sporting directors as the summer transfer window continues to shape the squad ahead of the new campaign.
Sources indicate Alonso will be handed greater influence over transfer decisions, with the club aiming to recruit at least two starting-level players before the season begins in late August.
Chelsea have already been active this summer, completing the sale of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid in a deal worth £51.7 million in total, with Jorrel Hato now trusted to provide cover at left-back.
The club is prioritising a centre-back who can partner Levi Colwill long-term, and Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix is among those admired by the Chelsea hierarchy and coaching staff.
Lacroix, 26, has three years remaining on his Selhurst Park contract, meaning Palace hold a strong negotiating position, though there are reports suggesting the France international is weighing up his options this summer.
Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has long been on Chelsea’s radar, though the Blues’ absence from European football could prove a significant obstacle given the England international attracts interest from Champions League clubs.
Wharton is expected to cost around £100 million, with Palace reportedly using Manchester City’s pursuit of Elliot Anderson, and their rejected bid reportedly in the region of £120 million for the Nottingham Forest midfielder, as a pricing benchmark.
Chelsea’s transfer budget could be boosted considerably if Enzo Fernandez departs, with sources confirming the Argentina international has informed the club of his desire to leave, and Real Madrid identified as a serious contender for his signature.
Chelsea are holding firm on a £120 million asking price for Fernandez, though reports from Spain suggest Real Madrid are also exploring other midfield targets while considering whether to meet that valuation.
A versatile left-sided attacker is also on the club’s wish list, with Alejandro Garnacho yet to convince since arriving from Manchester United and Jamie Gittens having missed much of the second half of last season through injury.
Morgan Rogers is a player Chelsea have maintained a long-standing interest in, though indications are that the Aston Villa attacker is more likely to join Arsenal rather than make a move to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s dream lineup for the Fulham opener would read: Sanchez; James, Lacroix, Colwill, Hato; Wharton, Caicedo; Estevao, Palmer, new LW; Joao Pedro, assuming all key targets can be secured before the August deadline.
Alonso faces a significant challenge to mould a competitive squad in a short space of time, but the early signs suggest Chelsea are prepared to back their new head coach aggressively in what is a crucial transfer window.
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