Xabi Alonso has taken charge at Chelsea with a clear sense of purpose, and his early priorities are already coming into focus. Chief among them is retaining two of the club's most gifted attackers — Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez — as he looks to build a cohesive and competitive squad.

Palmer had an exceptional season at Stamford Bridge, establishing himself as one of the Premier League's most dangerous creative forces. Alonso is understood to regard the England international as central to Chelsea's identity going forward, with no intention of allowing him to leave.

Fernandez, the Argentine midfielder who arrived at Chelsea in a record-breaking transfer, has shown flashes of the talent that made him one of world football's most sought-after players. Alonso's vision is reported to include restoring the 23-year-old to his best form and building the team's midfield around his abilities.

With both players seemingly secure in Alonso's plans, the new Chelsea manager is also expected to be active in the transfer market. The club are looking to add quality across the squad, with Alonso keen to stamp his own identity on the group he inherited.

Chelsea's summer business will be watched with considerable interest across Europe, as Alonso — who guided Bayer Leverkusen to a historic unbeaten Bundesliga title — begins the task of reshaping one of English football's biggest clubs.