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  "path": "/2026/06/25/xabi-alonso-set-secure-second-chelsea-signing-35m-star-approves-transfer-28916499/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-25T06:45:16.000Z",
  "site": "https://metro.co.uk",
  "tags": [
    "Football",
    "Sport",
    "Chelsea FC",
    "Chelsea transfer news",
    "Crystal Palace",
    "Crystal Palace transfer news",
    "Premier League",
    "Transfer News and Rumours",
    "Xabi Alonso",
    "Chelsea",
    "Liverpool",
    "Real Madrid",
    "appointment on a four-year deal",
    "sacking of Liam Rosenior",
    "Sign up",
    "£51m deal for Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra",
    "transfer expert Fabrizio Romano",
    "win the FA Cup and Conference League",
    "would want at least £35m to sell Lacroix",
    "https://www.instagram.com/p/DTcsdS1jUuv/?hl=en&img_index=1",
    "Marc Cucurella has joined Real Madrid",
    "believed to be of interest to new Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca",
    "one of a number of teams interested in England’s Morgan Rogers",
    "Enzo Fernandez gets his wish",
    "trip to west London rivals Fulham on August 24",
    "check our sport page",
    "Facebook",
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    "Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google\nAdd as preferred source"
  ],
  "textContent": "Incoming Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso (Picture: Getty)\n\nXabi Alonso is closing in on his second Chelsea signing after sanctioning a move for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix.\n\nFormer Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Alonso officially takes over at Stamford Bridge next month after his appointment on a four-year deal.\n\nAlonso, one of the best players of his generation and a highly-rated coach, agreed a deal with Chelsea after the sacking of Liam Rosenior.\n\nWhile the Spanish football legend is still waiting to officially take charge of Chelsea, he has been busy helping the Blues work on their summer recruitment.\n\n##  Don't miss a World Cup moment\n\n(Picture: Getty)\n\n\nWe're witnessing history at this World Cup – our daily newsletter helps you make the most of it. Sign up.\n\nAlonso is believed to have played an integral role in Chelsea’s first summer signing, a £51m deal for Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra.\n\nInter Milan were leading the race to sign the 21-year-old Italy international but Chelsea hijacked the deal and Alonso helped convince Palestra to move to west London.\n\nAlonso, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, has also sanctioned Chelsea’s move for Palace star Lacroix.\n\nMaxence Lacroix has impressed for Crystal Palace (Picture: Getty)\n\nChelsea are keen to bring some proven Premier League players to Stamford Bridge following a desperately disappointing season and Lacroix fits the bill.\n\nThe France international has made 70 Premier League appearances over the past two seasons, helping Crystal Palace win the FA Cup and Conference League.\n\nLacroix’s form at Selhurst Park earned him a place in Didier Deschamps’ World Cup squad, but he is still waiting for his first minutes for much-fancied France.\n\nMarco Palestra is set to become Chelsea’s first summer signing (Picture: Getty)\n\nRomano says Chelsea have opened talks with Palace over a deal for the 26-year-old, who has indicated he is ‘keen’ to join the Premier League giants.\n\nPersonal terms are not expected to be an issue as Lacroix is hoping to move to Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea would still need to agree a deal with London rivals Palace.\n\nIt was reported by French outlet RMC Sport earlier this month that Crystal Palace would want at least £35m to sell Lacroix and are under no pressure to offload him.\n\n##  Xabi Alonso's first words after Chelsea appointment\n\n‘Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club.\n\n‘From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies.\n\n‘There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club and it will be my great honour to lead it. Now the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies.’\n\n> https://www.instagram.com/p/DTcsdS1jUuv/?hl=en&img_index=1\n\nBut Chelsea are confident of securing his signature given his desire to join the club and be part of Alonso’s project.\n\nAlonso’s priority is bolstering his defensive options as Marc Cucurella has joined Real Madrid and both Malo Gusto and Trevoh Chalobah have been linked with summer exits.\n\nGusto is believed to be of interest to new Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca, who left Chelsea in January, while former Blues midfielder Cesc Fabregas – now in charge of Como – wants to sign Chalobah.\n\nAfter strengthening in defence, Alonso could seek a couple of midfield and attacker signings, with Chelsea one of a number of teams interested in England’s Morgan Rogers.\n\nA midfielder will become a priority for Alonso if Enzo Fernandez gets his wish and secures a move away from Stamford Bridge amid interest from Real Madrid.\n\nAlonso takes over a Chelsea side that finished just 10th in the Premier League last season, far closer to the relegation zone in terms of points than champions Arsenal.\n\nChelsea’s first Premier League game under Alonso will be a trip to west London rivals Fulham on August 24.\n\n**For more stories like this, check our sport page**.\n\n**Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on**Facebook,** Twitter and Instagram**.\n\nComment now Comments \nAdd Metro as a Preferred Source on Google\nAdd as preferred source\n",
  "title": "Xabi Alonso set to secure second Chelsea signing as £35m star approves transfer"
}