Xabi Alonso will take charge at Chelsea from July 1, and the club have wasted no time in preparing a strong group of arrivals for their new manager.

The Blues confirmed Alonso’s appointment on a four-year contract earlier in the month, ending any doubt about Chelsea’s ability to attract elite-level managerial talent to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have already agreed deals for five players set to join over the course of the summer, giving Alonso an immediate foundation to work with ahead of his first Premier League campaign.

Goalkeeper Mike Penders is set to fight for a place alongside Robert Sanchez next season after an impressive loan spell at BlueCo-owned Strasbourg.

Penders is part of Belgium’s World Cup squad, meaning his involvement in Chelsea’s pre-season tour will depend on how far the Red Devils progress in the tournament.

Chelsea and Alonso will be hoping Penders can join the squad for the first leg of their pre-season tour in Sydney in late July.

Kazakh forward Dastan Satpaev will arrive from Kairat Almaty, with his country having failed to qualify for the World Cup, meaning he will be available throughout the summer.

The soon-to-be 18-year-old is expected to be sent out on loan in Europe to gain senior experience, given his young age and limited time at that level.

Dutch striker Emmanuel Emegha is set to arrive at Cobham having endured an injury-troubled season, though competition for the number nine spot at Stamford Bridge will be fierce.

Nicolas Jackson could also feature in the striker picture next season, meaning Emegha will need to make a strong impression during what will be an important pre-season for him.

Valentin Barco, another player arriving from Strasbourg, has reportedly not been selected by Argentina for the World Cup, which could prove a boost for Chelsea’s pre-season plans.

While missing the World Cup will be a personal blow for Barco, Chelsea may benefit by having the Argentine available for their tour across Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Winger Geovany Quenda joins after an emotional departure from Sporting CP, with the 19-year-old targeting a strong pre-season to establish himself at his new club.

Quenda is not part of Portugal’s World Cup squad and will train under Alonso at Cobham before joining the tour group heading to Sydney in July.

With Estevao Willian sidelined by a hamstring injury and Pedro Neto away on international duty, Quenda sees a clear opportunity to make an early impression on his new manager.

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