Transfers, Palmer and Fernandez: The big Chelsea problems Alonso must solve

Xabi Alonso has officially started work as Chelsea manager, inheriting one of the biggest jobs in football.

With the spotlight on North America, the former World Cup winner has little time to waste as he sets about solving a host of problems on and off the pitch.

Four years after BlueCo's takeover, Chelsea have made a statement appointment at a time when there is little room for error. Less than a year after lifting the Club World Cup, the Blues face a campaign without European football, while the relationship between the club and its supporters remains fragile.

The decorated Alonso arrives following a bruising spell at Real Madrid, with the opportunity to showcase his ability to handle a huge club. Alonso will attempt to deliver silverware whilst creating a culture to ensure sustainable success.

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Unlike any of his four immediate predecessors, the Spaniard arrives with the title of manager. The added seniority is an indication of the significant role he will play in remoulding an already expensively assembled playing squad.

The club's pursuit of Granit Xhaka from Sunderland is a demonstration of their backing for the new manager and an indicator that BlueCo are serious about being flexible with their recruitment strategy.

Chelsea admitted publicly following the sacking of Liam Rosenior that a process of "self-reflection" would take place. This has led to a private admission that more ready-made starters must be sought while always keeping a close eye on the world's best young talent.

Marc Cucurella's exit has left a huge void following his departure to Real Madrid. Jorrel Hato may be a big beneficiary of the Spaniard's move if Alonso is convinced the left-back can be replaced from within.

Incoming full-back Marco Palestra played the majority of his minutes last season on the right but is adept on either flank while the club is also in talks to sign left-back Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano.

The future of Enzo Fernandez poses one of the biggest questions. The Argentina international was dropped for two games in April after publicly angling for a move away from West London. If Chelsea can recover more than the £107m paid to Benfica in 2023 for the World Cup winner, then a sale is surely something that they'll have to consider.

Does Alonso see him as a pivotal part of his plans? Can the 25-year-old be convinced that his long-term future is at Stamford Bridge?

One player who won't be departing is Cole Palmer. The playmaker is internally seen as one of the few 'untouchable' assets in spite of a season which saw the Englishman hampered by injury.

Alonso may be relieved that Palmer has been left at home by Thomas Tuchel this summer. The England boss noted "he was not as decisive or influential as he was in the last seasons" as he confirmed his decision to omit the 24-year-old from his World Cup squad.

A completely clear summer and full pre-season should allow Palmer to return to full fitness. One of Alonso's top priorities will be to restore him to the level which saw him dazzle in his first two seasons at Chelsea. The Manchester City academy graduate will surely have a point to prove following Tuchel's snub.

A man who may equally want to make a statement, if given the chance, is Nicolas Jackson. The striker went from first choice to surplus to the requirements of Enzo Maresca in the space of weeks last summer. Jackson returns this month following a season-long loan spell at Bayern Munich.

The £56.2m obligation-to-buy clause never appeared likely to be triggered given the form and fitness of Harry Kane, but the Senegalese didn't harm his credentials in fleeting appearances in Bavaria.

Joao Pedro may not have been deemed integral to Carlo Ancelotti's plans this summer, but the Brazilian international remains another of Chelsea's untouchables. With that in mind, will Jackson be reintegrated to support him? Or will Alonso favour Liam Delap?

The youngster notched just two goals from 41 appearances in his first season following an impressive campaign with Ipswich. With Emmanuel Emegha arriving from Strasbourg, there will be a necessity for forwards to be moved on either temporarily or permanently.

At the other end of the pitch, Chelsea have failed to nail down the goalkeeper position over a long period of time. It has been head-scratching for some that the club has prioritised stockpiling wingers as opposed to securing a top-tier No 1.

Robert Sanchez has had his moments in a Chelsea shirt but has failed to fully convince. Belgian keeper Mike Penders is set to add to the goalkeeping group this summer, having spent last season on loan at Strasbourg. With Filip Jorgensen set to leave, Penders and Sanchez could be set to battle for the spot between the sticks.

The club targeted AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan last summer before being put off by the figures demanded by the Serie A club. Alonso must determine whether he's happy to settle for the existing options or whether now is the time to prioritise securing a world-class shot stopper.

Propelling Chelsea from the bottom of the Premier League fair play table and solving the squad's crippling and longstanding disciplinary issues has proven too much for Alonso's predecessors.

The Blues saw red eight times in the Premier League last season - double the number of the next worst offenders. It's essential that the 44-year-old finally finds the cure to the seemingly deep-rooted challenge Chelsea face in staying out of the referee's book.

Finding the winning formula will go a long way to rebuilding the connection between the club and its loyal supporters. Four seasons of fluctuating results, questionable appointments and recruitment have led to an erosion of trust. Shoots of optimism under Maresca proved to be a false dawn when the Italian's head was turned.

The last time Chelsea spent a season outside of Europe, they won the Premier League title. There's little expectation the club will be in the title shake-up this campaign despite the managerial upheaval at fellow big-six clubs. Patience will be required as Chelsea plot their way back to the top.