Chelsea hires Xabi Alonso, eyes defensive signings like Lacroix and Palestra

Xabi Alonso has been appointed as Chelsea's new head coach on a four‑year contract and will take charge of the club's transfer strategy. His first targets are defensive reinforcements: he has already secured the move of Atalanta right‑back Marco Palestra and is close to completing a £35 million deal for Crystal Palace centre‑back Maxence Lacroix. Alonso is also reported to be monitoring Club Brugge defender Joel Ordoñez as a potential addition.

Chelsea finished 10th last season and aim to rebuild a more balanced squad under Alonso, who emphasized building the right culture and competing for trophies.