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If Xabi Alonso does take over as Chelsea's next full-time manager this summer, he may look to bring familiar faces to Stamford Bridge from his brief tenure at Real Madrid.
A chaotic season in west London continues to deteriorate with each passing day. Since the Blues parted ways with Liam Rosenior — who had only just been appointed to replace Enzo Maresca back in January — the club has slipped further down the Premier League table, going without a win in their last seven league outings.
Claiming the FA Cup on Saturday remains the one lifeline that could rescue an otherwise dismal campaign, though even that would barely paper over the cracks at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea desperately need the right managerial appointment to steady the ship, and recent reports suggest they are "exploring a deal" to bring in Alonso.
The 44-year-old, who spent just 233 days on the Bernabéu touchline, remains one of the most sought-after managers currently without a club. Should Chelsea secure his services, they may also be able to attract several Real Madrid players eager to escape the turbulence in the Spanish capital for a fresh start in London.
Here are five players who could trade their white shirt for a blue one to link up with Alonso once more.
5. Fran García
Fran García appears likely to be seeking a new club this summer. The left back had already attempted to engineer a loan move to Bournemouth during the January transfer window, only for Real Madrid to reportedly pull the plug at the eleventh hour.
Even so, the Premier League is clearly on García's radar, particularly as his playing time has steadily diminished behind Ferland Mendy and Álvaro Carreras. There may be an opening for him at the Bernabéu next season given Mendy's recent injury troubles, but whether he stays or moves on remains to be seen.
Chelsea already have Marc Cucurella, Jorrel Hato and the adaptable Malo Gusto as options on the left side, though Cucurella has hinted at a possible departure from west London, potentially creating space for García. The Spaniard excelled as a left wing-back under Alonso, a role he could slot back into should the manager implement his preferred 3-4-2-1 system at Chelsea.
4. Antonio Rüdiger
Antonio Rüdiger is among a number of Real Madrid players whose contracts expire at the end of the season, and with little sign of progress on an extension, the door has been left ajar for a possible return to Stamford Bridge for the Germany international.
Chelsea are crying out for defensive reinforcements, and Rüdiger — a player who thrived during his time in blue — could represent a cost-effective, short-term solution if he does become available on a free transfer.
Rüdiger also carries significant Premier League pedigree, meaning he could adapt quickly next season, unlike a younger player from a different league who might need time to adjust to the demands of English football. The 33-year-old centre back, for his part, is at his most effective when he plays with that combative, no-nonsense edge.
3. Eduardo Camavinga
Which Premier League club hasn't been connected to Eduardo Camavinga? Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea have all reportedly monitored the France international, who could depart the Bernabéu this summer in pursuit of more regular game time.
It has been a season to forget for Camavinga, yet his ceiling as a midfielder remains extraordinary — he has already collected two Champions League winners' medals by the age of just 23. And Chelsea have never been shy about splashing the cash on young talent brimming with potential.
Furthermore, should Enzo Fernández depart Stamford Bridge this summer — possibly heading to Real Madrid — Chelsea will need a quality replacement with Camavinga's profile to fill the void the Argentine would leave behind.
2. Arda Güler
Perhaps the biggest casualty of Alonso's departure from Real Madrid was Arda Güler. After two seasons on the fringes, the Spanish coach handed him a regular starting berth and helped mould the young talent into a genuinely exciting player.
With a new manager arriving this summer and likely fresh midfield competition, Güler could find himself back to square one, fighting for a place in the starting XI — a prospect he may not welcome given the breakthrough season he has just enjoyed.
Instead, Güler could potentially reunite with the manager who invested so much time in him on the training pitch and showed unwavering faith in his ability. Chelsea are in dire need of a creative spark to complement Cole Palmer, and Güler's versatility — capable of operating in a deeper role, as a No. 10 or out on the right wing — would inject much-needed dynamism into their attack.
1. Gonzalo García
The Liam Delap experiment proved to be a costly disappointment at Stamford Bridge, and recent reports suggest the striker could be shown the door this summer after managing just three goals in 44 appearances during his debut season.
Delap's likely exit leaves Chelsea in the market for a backup striker — and Gonzalo García is in need of a new home. The Spaniard is being tipped for a move away from Madrid, with Real reportedly looking to cash in on the No. 9 as they prepare to reintegrate Endrick as Kylian Mbappé's understudy.
Gonzalo, who produced the finest football of his career under Alonso, would be an ideal candidate to follow his former manager to west London. The 22-year-old is a natural finisher and possesses a tireless work ethic that should help him make a seamless transition from La Liga to the Premier League.