Published Oct 8, 2026, 1:10 PM GMT+1

Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years, specialising in transfer analysis, Premier League reporting and the business of football.
 

After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to begin his journalism career at Snack Media, now Valnet.
 

Emilio has a particular interest in football finance, recruitment and the business behind the modern game. In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.

The Blues spent heavily again during the summer, but their squad was left with a clear gap in midfield after Enzo Fernández joined Man City.

A late attempt to sign Lamine Camara from Monaco didn't reach the finish line, leaving Alonso without the replacement he wanted.

Alex Scott has since emerged as Chelsea’s leading target in that area. Bournemouth rejected an offer worth more than £60 million during the summer window and remain determined to keep the England international through January.

Defence is another area receiving attention.

Alejandro Balde has been linked with a switch from Barcelona, despite Chelsea already having Jorrel Hato and Pep Chavarria available on the left.

Reports in Spain claim Alonso values Balde and would welcome another player suited to operating as an attacking wing back.

Jarell Quansah is also attracting rumoured Chelsea interest following his progress at Bayer Leverkusen, although Liverpool’s buyback clause could make that pursuit difficult.

The Blues have also explored a move for Man United teenager JJ Gabriel, but the youngster currently favours continuing his career outside England.

It shows that Chelsea are assessing immediate upgrades alongside players who could become important in the future, with £46m defender, Jules Kounde being another major name in the conversation.

Xabi Alonso personally eyeing Jules Koundé for Chelsea

Spanish journalist Juan Jesus reports that several Premier League clubs are showing serious interest in the Barcelona defender, with Alonso described as a particularly strong admirer as eyes a Chelsea swoop.

That interest makes sense.

Kounde is comfortable at right back or in central defence and would offer Alonso the versatility required to change shape during matches.

He also has experience of playing at the highest level for club and country.

Chelsea know the player well after trying to sign him from Sevilla in 2022. Barcelona eventually won that battle, but the door to Stamford Bridge may not be permanently closed.

Eric Garcia has moved ahead of him in Hansi Flick’s preferred lineup, leaving the Frenchman with a reduced role during the opening weeks of the campaign.

However, Jesus insists neither Kounde nor Flick is currently pushing for a January separation, with both men deciding that a transfer isn't currently on the agenda.

Kounde reportedly sees the answer as better football rather than a move away, and he remains happy with life in Spain, but accepts that his performances have not reached his normal standard.

His priority is to respond on the pitch and force his way back into Flick’s starting side.

The Barcelona coach is also prepared to offer Kounde further chances rather than write him off. That stance presents Chelsea with a significant obstacle, particularly because the 27-year-old is tied to the Spanish champions until 2030.

TEAMtalk has previously reported that Alonso would like to bring Kounde to west London and that Barcelona could consider selling him during 2027.

A winter deal has not been completely dismissed, while Malo Gusto’s long-term future may also influence Chelsea’s plans.

For now, there is a clear difference between admiration and an achievable transfer.

Alonso may see Kounde as an ideal addition, but the player wants to win back his place rather than run from the challenge.

Unless that battle ends badly before January, Chelsea could be forced to wait or turn their attention elsewhere.