Xabi Alonso’s impending arrival at Chelsea on July 1 could open a unique pathway for the London club in the transfer market, particularly regarding Real Madrid’s promising young talent, Arda Guler. Reports from the Mirror indicate that Alonso, the 44-year-old incoming Chelsea boss, maintains regular communication with Guler, a bond forged during their brief but impactful time together at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Alonso’s seven-month tenure at Real Madrid, which concluded with his sacking in January, proved transformative for the 21-year-old Turkey international. Before Alonso’s arrival, Guler had reportedly struggled for consistent game time, feeling “invisible” under previous regimes, including Carlo Ancelotti. Across his first two seasons with the Spanish giants, Guler had managed just 24 La Liga starts. However, under Alonso’s guidance this term alone, Guler amassed 25 league starts, a clear testament to the manager’s faith and the player’s burgeoning talent, before an injury ruled him out towards the campaign’s conclusion.
A manager’s touch and a player’s trust
The connection between Alonso and Guler runs deep, with the midfielder crediting his former manager for persuading him to remain at Real Madrid when opportunities seemed scarce. Speaking to Turkish broadcaster TRT Spor, Guler openly discussed their relationship, highlighting Alonso’s profound influence.
“The truth is that we had a brilliant relationship. I felt as though he’d handed me the keys. It was exactly what I was looking for, honestly,” Guler stated. “Now he’s signed for Chelsea. I hope everything goes well for him. Of course, we’re still messaging each other.”
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Guler further elaborated on Alonso’s distinctive coaching style, which resonated strongly with him. “When he calls you into his office and explains something about tactics, it’s very hard not to be convinced. He knows exactly what you’re capable of. He knows exactly what he can offer you. In other words, he [is] a man who, probably, [wakes] up every day thinking about how to improve a player, how to communicate with him.”
Chelsea’s potential summer move
This enduring rapport could prove invaluable for Chelsea as they prepare for the summer transfer window under their new manager. Should the club seek to bolster its attacking midfield options, particularly with reports linking Joao Pedro to Barcelona, Guler could emerge as a prime target. The established trust and communication between Alonso and Guler, as reported by Mirror, could give Chelsea a significant edge in any potential pursuit of the talented playmaker. Alonso’s ability to unlock Guler’s potential at Real Madrid suggests he could replicate that success at Stamford Bridge, making a move mutually beneficial.
Sources: www.mirror.co.uk, www.football.london
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