As Xabi Alonso begins his highly anticipated tenure at Chelsea, the Basque manager has reportedly identified Arda Güler as his primary transfer target. The Real Madrid starlet flourished under Alonso’s brief guidance at the Santiago Bernabéu, and despite the coach’s move to London, the two have maintained a close professional relationship. Alonso believes that Güler’s exceptional technical quality and vision are the missing pieces needed to revolutionize the Blues’ midfield and align the squad with his tactical philosophy at Stamford Bridge.
However, Chelsea’s pursuit of the Turkish international appears to be an “impossible mission.” According to renowned journalist Ekrem Konur, Real Madrid has placed a “not for sale” sign on the 21-year-old. Club president Florentino Pérez views Güler as the cornerstone of the club’s future and a “non-transferable” asset. Furthermore, the incoming manager at Madrid, José Mourinho, is said to be heavily counting on Güler as a pillar of his second stint with the Merengues.
Güler is not the only Real Madrid player on Alonso’s wishlist. Chelsea has also been linked with Brahim Díaz, a deal that seems far more attainable than the one for Güler. Reports suggest that Real Madrid would be open to negotiating a departure for Díaz if an offer between €50 million and €60 million arrives. While Díaz’s versatility is appealing, the Chelsea board has yet to decide whether to finalize this deal or pivot to other alternatives.
Despite the financial might of the Premier League, prying Güler away from the Spanish capital remains the ultimate challenge. For Alonso, the dream of a reunion with the Turkish prodigy stays alive, but for now, Chelsea may have to satisfy their Madrid hunger with Brahim Díaz as they look to build a squad capable of returning to the top of English football.
