Chelsea are now eyeing a sensational move for a "world-class" attacker, with new manager Xabi Alonso regarded as a big fan.

Alonso set to be without Europe in first season as Chelsea manager

Alonso is set to officially start work as Chelsea manager on July 1st, and the former Real Madrid boss is set to be without European football in his first season, with his new side finishing 10th in the Premier League, following a 2-1 defeat at Sunderland on the final day.

Former midfielder Gus Poyet has suggested missing out on Europe could be a blessing in disguise for the Spaniard, saying: "I'm going to say something really terrible. And I'm not afraid of saying it. For the manager, it's better.

"For Xabi Alonso, it's better. Because he gets more time to work during the week. When you start playing every week, you don't have time to embed your system properly. Exactly what he did at Leverkusen. The team needs time. And the time that not playing European football gives you between weekends is invaluable."

However, the continent's best players ultimately want to compete in the top competitions, so Champions League football not being on offer could have an impact on the Blues' summer transfer business.

That said, BlueCo have still been identifying some ambitious targets, and a Premier League star has now emerged as an option.

Chelsea plotting sensational move for Liverpool star

According to a report from Football Insider, Chelsea are now plotting a shock move for Liverpool star Florian Wirtz, who arrived at Anfield from Bayer Leverkusen in a £116m deal last summer.

The Blues are very keen on signing the ex-Leverkusen man, as Alonso is a huge fan of his former playmaker, and there is a feeling the Reds would be willing to let him leave for the right price.

It wasn't exactly a prolific first year in the Premier League for the German, who chipped in with five goals and four assists in 33 matches, but he received a show of support from national side manager Julian Nagelsmann at the end of March.

The Germany boss said: "What stands out is his dedication as a number 10. He runs a lot and works so much."

"He is already a world class footballer and if he continues to maintain that level of performance, he will remain on the top of the game for a long time."

Alonso also knows how to get the best out of the 23-year-old, given that he racked up a whopping 46 goal involvements in 63 Bundesliga appearances across the 2023-24 and 2024-25 campaigns.

However, with Wirtz yet to set the Premier League alight, Chelsea should probably avoid signing him this summer, having already splashed the cash considerably in recent transfer windows.

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