Xabi Alonso set for Chelsea debut against Fulham
Xabi Alonso will make his competitive debut as Chelsea’s head coach when the Blues take on west London rivals Fulham on Monday evening. This highly anticipated derby marks the conclusion of the opening matchweek of the new Premier League season, which kicked off on Friday with Arsenal comfortably defeating Coventry City 3-0.
Alonso will be eager for a strong performance at Craven Cottage, especially after his side faced defeats against Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus during pre-season preparations.
In the lead-up to Monday’s clash, reports have surfaced regarding a potential transfer involving one of Chelsea’s out-of-favour attackers. According to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa is actively engaged in discussions with Chelsea about acquiring forward Nicolas Jackson.
Romano has indicated that the 25-year-old Senegal international is likely to depart Stamford Bridge prior to the closure of the current transfer window, with Chelsea preferring a sale rather than a loan arrangement.
Jackson joined Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023 and has made an impact with 30 goals and 12 assists in 81 appearances across all competitions. During his loan spell at Bayern Munich last season, he scored eight goals in 23 Bundesliga matches as the German club secured the league title.
Although Jackson has returned to Chelsea, his future remains uncertain, with ongoing negotiations between the two clubs. The outcome could also hinge on the status of Aston Villa’s current striker, Ollie Watkins, who is reportedly on the radar of Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal as the transfer window reaches its climax.
Additionally, La Liga club Atletico Madrid has expressed interest in Jackson, potentially paving the way for a return to Spain.
