Xabi Alonso has reportedly advised Chelsea to pursue Kylian Mbappe from Real Madrid, according to Spanish media reports. The new Blues manager, who departed Los Blancos in January 2026, believes the French striker would thrive under his management at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has already made contact with Mbappe's mother as part of early exploratory talks, signalling serious intent from the London club.
Alonso and Mbappe enjoyed a strong working relationship during their time at the Bernabéu, with the striker establishing himself as a cornerstone of Madrid's attacking setup. According to Spanish journalist Josep Pedrerol, Mbappe has grown isolated within the current dressing room environment. "He believed in Xabi Alonso, but Vinícius and other teammates pushed him out," Pedrerol stated on El Chiringuito. The 25-year-old forward faces internal tensions exacerbated by recent disciplinary lapses, including late arrivals and public conduct issues that have strained his relationship with the squad.
Dressing Room Dynamics Under Pressure
Mbappe's struggles extend beyond individual mistakes, with sources suggesting he feels unsupported by current manager Alvaro Arbeloa. Pedrerol highlighted the broader context: "You can't just say that Mbappe is the only one who has made mistakes and everyone else hasn't. Mbappe hasn't known how to manage his public image." This combination of external perception problems and internal alienation has created an uncomfortable situation for the world-class attacker.
Real Madrid's decision-making machinery appears to be shifting. Jose Mourinho is set to replace Arbeloa as manager at the end of the season, bringing an authoritarian approach that will likely reshape squad hierarchy and discipline standards. Mourinho's appointment signals Madrid's intention to reassert control over player conduct—a stark contrast to what Mbappe experienced under Alonso's more collaborative leadership style.
For Chelsea, signing Mbappe would represent a statement of ambition, reuniting him with a manager who earned his trust and providing a fresh start away from Madrid's politics. Whether Mbappe chooses to leave Spain's capital remains uncertain, but Alonso's backing and Boehly's proactive approach suggest Chelsea views the opportunity seriously as they reshape their squad for the upcoming campaign.
