Chelsea Must Unleash Five More Signings To Build On Lacroix Arrival

Chelsea were never going to stay quiet this summer. The Blues have been major players in the transfer market for much of the 21st century, and Xabi Alonso is already making his presence felt.

BlueCo have handed the Spaniard full control following a disappointing 2025–26 campaign that ended without European football. Alonso has a sufficiently talented squad at his disposal, but trimming it down for a season with plenty of free midweeks is the key challenge facing Chelsea's new boss.

The club has already made a significant statement by securing Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix could become Alonso's defensive cornerstone at Stamford Bridge. Lacroix excelled in Oliver Glasner's back five in south London, and Alonso's remarkable managerial achievements at Bayer Leverkusen were underpinned by his use of an additional center back.

Still, there's plenty of work to be done.

While deals for Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson already appear close to being finalized, here are five other transfers Chelsea should pursue after confirming Lacroix's signing.

Sell Trevoh Chalobah

Chelsea's defensive unit is undergoing a significant overhaul. It remains unclear whether Alonso's preferred setup will be a 4-2-3-1 or a 3-4-2-1, but it's evident that his backline will look considerably different from what the Blues fielded last season.

Trevoh Chalobah was arguably the club's standout center back last term, though the competition wasn't fierce. Nevertheless, the club is willing to part ways with the homegrown defender for the right price.

Inter Milan had shown interest, but it's their rising Serie A rivals Como who are now leading the chase. Cesc Fàbregas's ambitious project has appealed to the England international, and a deal is expected to be completed after Como submitted an improved offer.

Sign Alex Scott

Offloading players is likely to be Chelsea's main priority following the Lacroix deal, but there's still room for further additions.

One name generating considerable interest is Bournemouth's Alex Scott. The Cherries are determined to keep the energetic midfielder for another campaign, particularly with their first-ever European adventure on the horizon. However, Scott has turned down the club's most recent contract proposal, leaving the door open for a possible departure this summer.

Bournemouth will only sanction a sale for a substantial fee, and reports suggest Chelsea have already seen a £64 million ($85.2 million) offer turned down. Several other clubs are also circling, and a bidding war could develop if the Cherries continue to hold their ground.

Scott had a breakout season as Bournemouth secured Europa League qualification. Should Chelsea manage to land him, it could signal the end of Enzo Fernández's time in west London.

Sell Axel Disasi

There had been speculation that Axel Disasi could move in the opposite direction as part of the Lacroix deal. However, that has turned out not to be the case. Disasi remains at Chelsea.

The club is actively looking to sell him, though. He spent the latter portion of the last two seasons on loan in claret and blue — first with Champions League quarterfinalists Aston Villa, then with a relegated West Ham United side. Despite the Hammers' struggles, Disasi performed admirably in a deep defensive structure.

His performances at the London Stadium should generate interest this summer, but the Frenchman has reportedly rejected a return to West Ham. He has no desire to play in the second division.

Italian clubs are said to be exploring the possibility of signing the commanding center back, though Chelsea may ultimately have to settle for another loan arrangement.

Sign Pep Chavarría

Chelsea have already brought in highly-regarded Italian fullback Marco Palestra, who could operate as a wingback should Alonso opt for a back three.

On the other flank, the Blues have been pursuing Rayo Vallecano's Pep Chavarría. Personal terms were reportedly agreed with the player at the beginning of July, but Chelsea have yet to reach a fee agreement with the Conference League finalists.

Rayo are believed to be insisting on his full £21.5 million ($28.6 million) release clause being triggered.

Chelsea are in urgent need of reinforcements on the left side of their defense following Marc Cucurella's departure to Real Madrid. Jorrel Hato showed promise last season and is ready for a bigger role, but Alonso demands depth throughout his squad.

Sell Benoit Badiashile

Benoît Badiashile can have moments where he looks like an elite defender. He can defend with authority and composure, and play incisive passes into midfield with ease. However, the very best version of the former Monaco man has rarely been on display in west London.

Several managers have struggled to get the best out of Badiashile, who has also endured his share of injury problems.

Enable functional cookies to see this feature.

With Levi Colwill returning from an ACL injury and Hato ready to step up, there is little justification for Badiashile to stay at Stamford Bridge.

Newcastle United and Napoli have been loosely linked, and Chelsea have made clear they are only open to a permanent transfer.