Chelsea: Xabi Alonso has named his untouchables

Chelsea: the seven untouchable players of Xabi Alonso

Europe Today at 14:00

As Chelsea gears up for a major squad overhaul, Xabi Alonso has reportedly already identified the core players around whom he wants to build his project. Seven names are said to be considered untouchable by the Spanish manager.

Chelsea is heading into what promises to be a particularly eventful summer. Indeed, several departures are being considered within the London squad to trim down a group seen as too large ahead of next season.

However, Xabi Alonso appears to have already set some boundaries. According to information from The Athletic, the Spanish coach has submitted to the board a list of players deemed untouchable. On that list: Reece James, Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Levi Colwill, Estevão, João Pedro, and Josh Acheampong.

🚨 Under Xabi Alonso, Chelsea have designated 7 players as untouchable this summer, with the club not prepared to entertain offers for any of the following:

🔸 Reece James
🔸 Cole Palmer
🔸 Moisés Caicedo
🔸 Levi Colwill
🔸 Estêvão Willian
🔸 João Pedro
🔸 Josh Acheampong… pic.twitter.com/0qJoIe3N31
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 9, 2026

Moreover, this decision comes as several senior and young players have been tipped to leave. Still, the Blues boss wants to keep a solid core around which to build his project—a clear message sent to the London board ahead of what is set to be a particularly lively transfer window.