Published May 28, 2026, 8:10 AM GMT+1

Ethan is a feature and opinion journalist at Football FanCast.

He studied Football Journalism at the University of Derby, undertaking roles such as media assistant for Non-League side Mickleover Sports and EFL reporter for VAVEL.

Upon graduating in 2023, Ethan spent six months at GRV Media as a Premier League journalist, before joining FootballFanCast in February 2024.

Ethan is an avid Nottingham Forest supporter and season ticket holder, who also holds a keen interest in Formula One.

He covers a host of sides from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, to Leeds and clubs across the Midlands such as Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa. He particularly enjoys producing analytical content.

He’s demonstrated during his time at Bayer Leverkusen that he is capable of claiming title glory - subsequently leading the German outfit to an unbeaten campaign in 2023/24.

The Blues have now gone just shy of a decade without a top-division trophy, something which Alonso will be helping to end during his first year at the helm.

However, if he is to be successful at the first attempt, he may need added reinforcements from BlueCo to try and close the gap to the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City.

Chelsea enter talks to land £100m midfielder this summer

With the transfer window now appearing on the horizon, Chelsea have been touted with a move for a whole host of top-level talents ahead of the summer.

Valentin Barco appears to be the first addition to arrive under the Spaniard, after personal terms were agreed with the player over a move to West London.

The Argentine midfielder is set to pen a six-year deal with the Blues, with Alonso’s side once again making the most of the connection with sister club, Strasbourg.

He may not be the only midfielder to arrive at the Bridge during the upcoming window, with Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes another player currently in their sights.

According to Simon Phillips, the Blues have already been in talks with Eddie Howe’s men over the possibility of a number of deals - with the Brazilian’s name popping up during discussions.

The report also states that Alonso’s men reached out to get more information ahead of a deal for the 28-year-old, who’s spent the last four years on Tyneside.

A fee in the region of £100m has been mooted for his signature ahead of the summer, with Manchester United another side keen on a move for his services.

Why Guimaraes would be better than Enzo for Chelsea

Chelsea’s heavy spending in the transfer market has been no secret in recent seasons, as seen by the £106.8m deal to sign Enzo Fernández from Benfica in January 2023.

The Argentine undoubtedly had huge expectations to succeed given the price tag, but it’s safe to say he’s been one of the club’s star performers over recent seasons.

He played the most Premier League minutes of any player in the senior ranks, whilst registering 14 combined goals and assists - with only Joao Pedro registering more.

As a result of his tremendous form at the Bridge, the 25-year-old has been mentioned as a transfer target for Manchester City, with Enzo Maresca set to take charge of the Citizens.

Regardless of whether Enzo remains at the Blues in 2026/27, the hierarchy could land a bigger talent during the summer with a move for Newcastle star, Guimaraes.

The Brazilian has matched the Argentine for goals and assists this term - but doing so in fewer minutes, which highlights his quality within attacking areas of the pitch.

Should he replicate such levels at Chelsea upon any move, he could provide the catalyst needed at the heart of Alonso’s side to mount a title challenge during his first year at the helm.

The Magpies star has also managed to complete more dribbles per 90 this term, which highlights his superb ability to drive into forward areas and put the finishing touches on the attack.

Guimaraes, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by current boss Howe, has achieved a better pass completion rate this term - undoubtedly making him a better option with the ball at his feet.

Out of possession, the Brazilian star has also dominated the current Blues star - as seen by his higher tally of tackles made and ground duels won per 90.

The Newcastle star’s tally of 9.2 defensive contributions and 5.1 ball recoveries made per 90 are also way above the figures produced by Enzo - subsequently highlighting his all-round quality.

Guimaraes has proven that he’s a top-level box-to-box operator in recent years, with the 28-year-old a player who would be perfect for Alonso’s system in West London.

£100m would be a huge investment for BlueCo yet again, but it’s a move that would undoubtedly catapult the club into a European fight during 2026/27.

Enzo has been a crucial member of the Blues squad this term, but he could easily lose his starting role to the Brazilian - which could lead to a potential reunion with Maresca at the Etihad.