Xabi Alonso’s impending arrival at Chelsea on July 1 is already sparking transfer rumours, with Real Madrid’s Arda Guler emerging as a prime target. The 44-year-old manager, a Liverpool icon, is believed to have built a strong bond with the 21-year-old Turkey international during his brief stint at the Real Madrid helm, a relationship that could now pave the way for a reunion at Stamford Bridge.
Alonso’s transformative impact at Real Madrid
Despite being fired from Real Madrid in January after barely six months, Alonso’s time at the Bernabeu was transformative for Guler. Prior to Alonso’s arrival, Guler had struggled for minutes, managing just 24 La Liga starts across his first two campaigns. Reports suggested he felt “invisible” under previous administrations, including Carlo Ancelotti.
Alonso, however, quickly established a lasting rapport with the young midfielder, even convincing him to remain at the club when a Real Madrid exit seemed possible. His trust saw Guler’s league starts balloon to 25 this term alone, a significant increase that occurred even after an injury sidelined him for a period.
Guler himself has spoken highly of their relationship and Alonso’s management style. “The truth is that we had a brilliant relationship. I felt as though he’d handed me the keys,” Guler told Turkish outlet TRT Spor, cited by Football.London. “It was exactly what I was looking for, honestly. 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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He further elaborated on what made Alonso such an effective and convincing coach: “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.”
A profile Chelsea could need
The speculation gains further traction as Chelsea may be in the market for a player of Guler’s profile this summer. With Joao Pedro reportedly drawing serious interest from Barcelona, a creative attacking midfielder could become a priority for the Stamford Bridge club.
Alonso’s proven ability to unlock Guler’s potential, coupled with their existing rapport, makes a move to West London a compelling prospect for both parties. As Alonso prepares to take the reins at Chelsea, the possibility of bringing his former protege with him is a storyline that will undoubtedly capture attention in the coming weeks.
Sources: www.football.london
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