Chelsea plot £100m bid for Real Madrid star Arda Guler as ‘priority’ Alonso signing

Chelsea’s summer transfer plans continue to generate headlines as Xabi Alonso prepares for his debut campaign in charge at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have been linked with several targets over the past week as the club look to strengthen a squad capable of competing for major honours next season.

One position attracting particular attention is the goalkeeping department.

Reports continue to suggest Chelsea remain interested in AC Milan star Mike Maignan despite previous difficulties completing a deal.

The French international is regarded as one of Europe’s top goalkeepers and speculation surrounding a potential move has intensified once again in recent days.

Meanwhile, Italian media sources claim the west Londoners have already had a bid turned down for Roma’s Mile Svilar.

Chelsea had also been credited with interest in highly-rated winger Zadok Yohanna.

The teenage attacker was attracting attention from across Europe, with several clubs having monitored his progress closely.

Chelsea’s recruitment team have built a reputation for targeting elite young prospects and Yohanna was believed to be firmly on their radar, but Brighton have since confirmed his arrival after beating Alonso’s side and Newcastle in the race.

Away from potential arrivals, Chelsea are also working to retain some of their brightest talents.

Fresh reports this week suggested the club have no intention of allowing Josh Acheampong to leave despite interest from elsewhere.

The academy graduate is viewed as an important player for the future and Alonso is understood to be a big admirer of his potential.

There has also been speculation surrounding the futures of several senior players as Chelsea continue to assess their squad ahead of the new campaign.

While arrivals remain a priority, there is also an expectation that departures could play a key role in shaping the club’s transfer business over the coming weeks.

However, a far bigger transfer rumour has now emerged.

Chelsea plot £100m bid for Real Madrid star Arda Güler

According to Sports Boom, Chelsea are showing strong interest in Real Madrid star Arda Güler, with Alonso reportedly identifying the Turkish international as his ‘absolute priority’ target this summer.

The report claims the Blues could be willing to put together a package worth as much as £100 million in an attempt to convince Real Madrid to do business.

That would immediately make Guler one of the most expensive signings in Chelsea’s history.

The 21-year-old has established himself as one of the most exciting young attacking players in European football.

Comfortable operating as an attacking midfielder, winger or deeper creative playmaker, Guler possesses the technical quality and vision that have made him one of the most highly-rated talents of his generation.

It is easy to understand why Alonso would be keen, and Sports Boom say the Spaniard is convinced Guler could be the face of Chelsea’s attack for up to a decade.

Chelsea’s squad is packed with athleticism and energy, but Guler would offer something different. His creativity, ability to unlock defences and composure in possession would add another dimension to the Blues’ attacking options.

Despite a difficult start to life at the Bernabeu, the ex-Fenerbahce sensation racked up 20 goal contributions across 51 appearances in all competitions for Los Blancos last term.

The fact that Arsenal and Liverpool are also monitoring him, as per SB again, only highlights how highly regarded he is across the Premier League.

Yet, Chelsea face a major obstacle.

Real Madrid reportedly have no interest in selling.

Despite strong interest from England, the Spanish giants view Guler as an important part of their long-term plans and are not actively looking to cash in.

That stance makes any deal extremely difficult, regardless of how much money Chelsea may be prepared to offer.

For now, the situation appears straightforward. Chelsea admire the player, Alonso wants him, and the club could be willing to spend heavily to try and make a deal happen.

The problem is convincing Real Madrid to part with one of their brightest young stars.