FA Cup final awaits as Alonso talks intensify

FA Cup final: your shot at redemption

It all comes down to this. Chelsea face Manchester City at Wembley in the FA Cup final, the last chance to salvage silverware from a rough season (1) (2). Pep Guardiola has hinted you might have one edge, suggesting his squad rotation could work in Chelsea's favour (9). Enzo is ready. He says he's approaching this with 'enthusiasm' and a burning 'desire' to lift the trophy (1). 'I am very excited and determined to win this title,' Enzo told the FA.

Xabi Alonso: the saga heats up

Chelsea have interviewed Xabi Alonso and he's at the forefront of your thinking right now (10). David Ornstein reports the move is genuinely alive: 'The information we have' points to Alonso being open to the possibility (6). Fabrizio Romano adds the club wants a manager signed and announced before the World Cup, with Alonso's camp already in talks. But there are wrinkles. Alonso reportedly has a 'problem' with the BlueCo ownership structure and has been told to 'watch out' for a specific Blues pair (12). Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has also warned Alonso could struggle at the Bridge (7). And one report claims Alonso would only succeed if the owners do one specific thing first (5).

Transfer window: targets speaking up

Joao Pedro has made it 'very clear' to Chelsea which position he wants to play, something that could shape your summer business (3). An £80m target is reportedly 'happy' and 'motivated' by the speculation linking him to the Bridge (8). And a €75m-rated winger has openly said he'd consider a move to Chelsea or Real Madrid (13).

Money trouble looming

Chelsea are projected to lose more than £100 million next season (4). That kind of financial hit could tighten the purse strings just when the squad needs reinforcing.

U18s: a final of their own

Chelsea's U18s face Manchester City in the U18 Premier League National Final. Date and kick-off time have been confirmed (14). A double over City in one weekend? It's on the table.

Fan-reaktioner

The fanbase is split between cup final buzz and managerial obsession. Enzo's pre-match quotes have supporters fired up for Wembley, while the Alonso-Ornstein-Fabrizio triple update has everyone refreshing their feeds. Meanwhile, Disasi's bombsquad comments are doing the rounds: he compared it to a survivor show where players got kicked out weekly, leaving just him and Sterling at the end. Read the full thread here.

Sources

  • 1. news.google.com — Enzo approaching FA Cup final with a lot of ‘enthusiasm’ and ‘desire’ for trophy - We Ain't Got No History
  • 2. soccernews.com — Prediction: Chelsea vs Manchester City – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts
  • 3. news.google.com — Joao Pedro tells Chelsea what position he wants to play, he’s made it ‘very clear’ - The Chelsea Chronicle
  • 4. readchelsea.com — Chelsea set to lose more than £100 million next season
  • 5. readchelsea.com — Chelsea owners told Xabi Alonso will succeed only if they do one thing
  • 6. readchelsea.com — ‘The information we have’ – David Ornstein drops Xabi Alonso to Chelsea news
  • 7. news.google.com — Why Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink thinks Xabi Alonso could struggle as Chelsea manager - The Chelsea Chronicle
  • 8. news.google.com — Chelsea's £80m target 'happy' and 'motivated' by transfer speculation - Metro.co.uk
  • 9. readchelsea.com — Pep Guardiola implies Chelsea have one advantage in FA Cup final
  • 10. readchelsea.com — Chelsea have interviewed Xabi Alonso and what they think now
  • 12. football365.com — Alonso has ‘problem’ with BlueCo as top Chelsea target told to ‘watch out’ for Blues pair
  • 13. readchelsea.com — ‘Chelsea or Real Madrid’ – €75m winger opens door to move