Xabi Alonso drops telling hint over Chelsea’s Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck transfers

View 2 Images

Xabi Alonso has refused to confirm Chelsea are interested in signing Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson - but hinted that the Blues want to add more experience. The Blues have been linked with moves for the veteran stars over the past few days.

Reports have suggested that Henderson, 36, will be allowed to leave Brentford on a free transfer just a year after moving to West London. It has also been suggested that Chelsea are already in talks with Brighton regarding a move for Welbeck.

Asked about potential deals following Tuesday’s 6-4 victory against Western Sydney Wanderers , new Chelsea boss Alonso remained tight-lipped.

He said: “No, I'm sure that from today until the last day of the transfer [window] there will be a lot of rumours, so to be commenting on all of them. It's going to be a hard task, but for sure we need proper balance in terms of qualities, in terms of positions, in terms of balance.

“We want to have a complete squad and we want to make a good team. For that we have an idea, we have a plan and let's see how we set it up until the start of the Premier League.”

Chelsea’s moves for Henderson and Welbeck are huge departures from their previous approach in the market. Having preferred to sign youth with promise in previous windows, the Londoners now appear to be prioritising experience.

Chelsea have of course already been busy in the window this summer. Morgan Rogers arrived from Aston Villa for £117m earlier this summer, while Marco Palestra was signed from Atalanta.

Elsewhere, Geovany Quenda and Emmanuel Emegha arrived at Stamford Bridge on pre-agreed moves. The Blues have already earned considerable sums back, with Andrey Santos and Marc Cucurella having joined Manchester United and Real Madrid respectively.

View 2 Images

Tyrique George has signed permanently for Everton following last season’s loan spell, while Alejandro Garnacho has been allowed to move to Aston Villa on loan. Another star who could leave before the end of the transfer window is striker Liam Delap.

The 23-year-old endured a difficult debut season with Chelsea, having netted on just three occasions. On the striker, Alonso added: “Every player that is involved is doing well, Liam as well. It was 60 minutes when he had to battle hard against the centre-backs, a good few lays off, so he's doing well and preparing for the season.

“I see him in a good mood, in a good desire to get proper fitness, proper football feeling good, and he's doing well.”