Chelsea star prepared to leave this summer despite Alonso appointment

Xabi Alonso will begin a new chapter at Chelsea and he hopes to stamp his authority and get things running, he’ll have to do so without some players.

Unlike his predecessors, Alonso has been given more control over transfers after being named manager rather than head coach. The Spaniard now has a tough summer to decide who continues at the club and whose sale should be sanctioned.

One of the players set to leave Stamford Bridge is goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina.

According to a new report from BBC Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella, Slonina is ready ‘to leave’ Chelsea this summer to have a better chance of playing regularly.

The report claims:

Gaga Slonina with the FIFA Club World Cup trophy. He’s now seeking a move aware from Stamford Bridge (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)

‘He served as the third-choice option over the past season but is now being allowed to seek a permanent exit from the club over his lack of playing time.

‘Multiple clubs across Europe have expressed an interest, although it remains a negotiation to secure an asking price at a level Chelsea are happy with but that doesn’t deter suitors.’

Meanwhile, Spanish defender Marc Cucurella has also reportedly make a decision on his future.

Marc Cucurella is reportedly seeking a move away from Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

A new report from Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claims Cucurella has made it clear that he ‘wants to leave’ the Blues, with Manchestern United ‘closely monitoring’ his situation to provide an alternative to Barcelona.

The report added:

‘Marc Cucurella (27 years old) prioritises playing for FC Barcelona. However, he knows it’s not something that can be guaranteed in the short term, given that the Catalan club has other transfer priorities, the first of which is signing a centre forward after Robert Lewandowski’s departure upon the expiration of his contract.

‘Furthermore, he understands that his situation is interconnected with Alejandro Balde’s, who must leave for him to enter the club. In any case, what the Catalan full-back is clear about is that he wants to end his time at Chelsea. The best proof of this is that ‘Cucu’ has already informed his club, with whom he has a contract until 2029, of his intention not to continue there.’

It’s now unclear if Cucurella will be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge or a discussion with Alonso can change his thoughts.

Cucurella is currently with the Spanish national team preparing for the 2026 World Cup.