UMVA has learned that Chelsea is eyeing a major signing in the upcoming transfer window, with Jeremie Frimpong emerging as a top target for incoming manager Xabi Alonso.
The Dutch defender, who played under Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, could be poised for a reunion with his former boss, with Frimpong struggling to find his footing at Liverpool following a £29.5million move last summer.
Frimpong's debut season on Merseyside was marred by injuries, limiting him to just 12 Premier League starts, and with Liverpool undergoing a rebuild under new manager Andoni Iraola, the Dutchman could be on his way out.
A potential move to Stamford Bridge could be the catalyst for Frimpong to rediscover his form, with Alonso having previously got the best out of him at Leverkusen, where they won the Bundesliga together.
Former Spain international Gaizka Mendieta believes that a reunion between Frimpong and Alonso could be the key to unlocking the defender's potential, saying that managers often trust players from previous clubs and that Frimpong could be a valuable asset for Alonso at Chelsea.
Mendieta added that reuniting with former coaches is a common occurrence in football, especially when players are struggling to adapt, and that Alonso will likely look to bring in players who fit his style and system.
Chelsea is expected to be active in the transfer market this summer, with several high-profile exits potentially on the horizon, including Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella, who have both raised doubts about their long-term futures at the club.
However, Mendieta is confident that Cucurella will resist any offers to leave, citing his tactical intelligence and adaptability, and believes that he will be a key player under Alonso, who is known for his attacking fullback approach.
The incoming Chelsea boss will inherit a squad in transition, and with Alonso set to take the reins in July, the club is bracing for a summer of change.
Meanwhile, former Chelsea winger Joe Cole has urged the club to sign Bernardo Silva, suggesting that the Portuguese midfielder could be a game-changer for the team.
