Chelsea are said to be advancing in negotiations with Alonso, the Blues continue searching for their next long-term project on the bench, with the Spaniard now set as the leading candidate ahead of several other names.
According to reports, the club decided to pause discussions until after Saturday’s decisive FA Cup final, before fully shifting focus back toward sorting out the coaching situation at Stamford Bridge.
Alonso is regarded as the ideal profile to lead Chelsea back to silverware. Reports suggest the London club prefers his profile to that of contenders, currently including Marco Silva, Andoni Iraola, Oliver Glasner and former Flamengo coach Filipe Luís.
Since leaving Real Madrid earlier this year, the Spaniard has been linked with both Newcastle United and Liverpool, especially with growing pressure surrounding Arne Slot at Anfield. Such reports of constant discussions around Alonso have set him as one of the most demanded managers on the market.
According to several reports, Alonso would prefer to wait for a move from Liverpool, where he previously spent five years as a player, and won his first UEFA Champions League in 2005. Many believe a deal with Chelsea could have already been sealed if the Reds were completely out of the picture.
The 44-year-old also reportedly rejected a deal from Olympique de Marseille earlier this year.
Alonso left Madrid with a respectable record. While he was in charge, he managed to win 24 of his 34 matches.
However, it was his historic journey with Bayer 04 Leverkusen that sealed his reputation as one of the best coaches in world football. That historic season included an unbeaten, title-winning Bundesliga campaign and an impressive qualification to the Europa League final.
