Chelsea appoint Alonso as new coach, names Osimhen as first transfer target

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Newly appointed Chelsea Manager, Xabi Alonso, has made the signing of Victor Osimhen his priority even though he has not yet assumed duties at Stamford Bridge.

The Spanish coach, who won the German Bundesliga and Cup with Victor Boniface at Bayer Leverkusen three seasons ago, was appointed as Chelsea Manager on Sunday and will not take charge of the Blues until July 1.

According to TEAMTalk’s Graeme Bailey, after the poor performance of Chelsea this season—which may see the club miss out on European football next season—the club and Alonso have agreed to slight compromises regarding their outlook on transfers.

“The Blues have acknowledged they must let a manager of Alonso’s calibre have a bigger say in transfers, both ins and outs. Some prior managers in the BlueCo era have had very little input,” said the top football source.

“Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen is the frontman in their sights. The 27‑year‑old has enjoyed another superb campaign in front of goal and has now helped fire his respective sides to three league titles in four years—Napoli 2022/23, Galatasaray 2024/25, 2025/26.”

Osimhen, described as one of the most feared strikers in world football, is now the subject of exploratory talks between Chelsea and Alonso.

In two seasons at Galatasaray, Osimhen has scored 59 goals and made 16 assists in 74 appearances, making him one of the most sought‑after frontmen in European football.

Aside from Chelsea, the two biggest Spanish sides, Real Madrid and Barcelona, are also involved in signing the former Napoli man.

Apart from the pursuit of Osimhen, chief among the players who will be key to Alonso’s success or failure in West London is Joao Pedro, who is arguably Chelsea’s player of the season with 20 goals and nine assists to his name.

There is strong and confirmed interest in Pedro from Barcelona, but the Blues have no intention of selling.