The Guardian reported on Friday that discussions between Alonso and Chelsea representatives are moving in a positive direction, with BlueCo understood to be prepared to meet his key demand — a meaningful say over transfer activity.
That concession represents a significant departure from the ownership model that has defined Chelsea's recruitment strategy since Todd Boehly's takeover.
Alonso, 44, was dismissed by Real Madrid in January after a turbulent opening season in which the club failed to win a single trophy. He had started brightly, winning the opening Clásico and briefly placing Madrid seven points clear of Barcelona, before a dramatic collapse in the second half of the campaign.
He spent the last decade playing under Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich and winning the Champions League with Liverpool and Real Madrid.
Chelsea have approached or assessed multiple candidates including Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva, Oliver Glasner, Filipe Luis and Cesc Fabregas — the latter committed to Como. None has progressed beyond preliminary enquiry level. Alonso is the one who has generated genuine momentum.
Mbappé's public support of his former coach at Madrid has added a layer of complexity to the picture. The France captain praised Alonso effusively after Thursday's home game against Real Oviedo, describing him as someone who "will be a great coach" before adding that Real Madrid had functioned better under Alonso than under his successor Álvaro Arbeloa — a pointed remark from a player who has caused controversy of his own this week.
Liverpool were Alonso's preferred destination. Arne Slot confirmed on Friday that he expects to remain at Anfield next season, and that assessment has removed Liverpool from the equation for now.
Chelsea intend to have a new head coach in place before the World Cup begins next month. The appointment process is expected to accelerate once interim manager Calum McFarlane leads the club out at Wembley on Saturday.