Xabi Alonso has reportedly informed Chelsea to sign a new goalkeeper as he has reservations over both Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder held his first press conference as Chelsea manager on Tuesday. The Spain legend officially took charge of the Blues at the start of July but has been in close contact with Stamford Bridge bosses ever since signing a four-year deal back in May.
Alonso's Plans for the Summer Transfer Window
Alonso will hope to bring in several of his own signings this summer to bolster a Chelsea squad that finished just 10th in the Premier League last season. The west London club have already signed Italy international Marco Palestra in a £47m deal from Atalanta and are set to bring in a new left-back to replace the departed Marc Cucurella. Alonso also intends to sign a new goalkeeper as he does not believe Sanchez or Jorgensen are at the level required for a side he intends to turn into title contenders.
Concerns Over Current Goalkeepers
Sanchez kept his place in the Chelsea team last season despite some high-profile mistakes and several pundits have suggested the Spaniard should be replaced. The same can be said for Jorgensen, who has informed Chelsea of his desire to leave this summer as he wants to be a No. 1 elsewhere. Alonso's reservations have prompted the search for a new number one.
Diogo Costa Identified as Target
As for who Alonso wants between the sticks at Stamford Bridge, Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha say Chelsea are set to make an approach for Porto's Diogo Costa following a request from the new manager. It is claimed Alonso 'admired' Costa before the World Cup but his solid performances for Portugal only increased his desire to welcome him to Chelsea. Costa, 26, has spent his entire career at Porto, where he is captain, and earned 48 international caps for Portugal.
Potential Hurdles in the Deal
But Alonso will find it hard to prise Costa away from the Portuguese giants despite the presence of a release clause worth 61m euros (£51m) as Chelsea are currently only willing to pay 40m euros (£34m). Porto are unlikely to accept a lower fee given Costa's strong showing at the World Cup and the fact the likes of Bayern Munich and PSG have also been linked with the shot-stopper. Chelsea faced a similar scenario with Mike Maignan last summer and may have ended up regretting pulling out of a deal for the AC Milan star and France No. 1.
Alonso's Vision for Chelsea
Speaking at his Stamford Bridge unveiling, Alonso said Chelsea were a club 'with great potential' despite their struggles last season. 'The excitement [for taking the job] is very simple, it's the club, the squad, and the opportunity to come to this great club,' he said. 'I want to be part of this club, working together with the sporting directors, with the players and with the staff around me in Cobham. We want to create excitement [in the team], to have that bond with the supporters and to win games and be successful. I see this as a club with great potential. There is a strong base here already and now we want to keep building to ensure we are competitive on the pitch.'
Alonso's first Premier League game in charge of Chelsea is a west London derby against Fulham on August 24.
