Chelsea have wasted no time in identifying their top managerial target for next season, with Spanish newspaper As reporting that the club has set its sights on Xabi Alonso. The London side's board has already made a formal offer and opened talks with the former Real Madrid boss to fill the vacancy left by Liam Rosenior, who was dismissed at the end of April.

Looking for a young, methodical leader to drive their project forward, Chelsea see Alonso as the perfect fit. The 42-year-old Spaniard is currently weighing up the offer, but he's not the only name on the shortlist. The club is also considering Andoni Iraola, who is set to leave Bournemouth, and former Flamengo manager Filipe Luís—a name that has been gaining traction in the British press.

Alonso has been without a club since January, when he was dismissed by Real Madrid following a defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. His spell at the Bernabéu lasted less than eight months, but it came on the heels of an impressive stint at Bayer Leverkusen. During his time with Los Blancos, he managed 34 matches, recording 24 wins, four draws, and six defeats—a solid record that has kept him in high demand.

However, Chelsea's current sporting situation could complicate negotiations. The team sits in ninth place in the Premier League, a position that would leave them out of European competition next season. Their big chance to turn things around lies in the FA Cup final. On Saturday, May 16, at 11 a.m., Chelsea will face Manchester City. If they win the title, they'll secure a direct spot in the group stage of next season's Europa League—a result that could make the club a more attractive destination for a manager of Alonso's caliber.