The Independent reported earlier on Tuesday that Xavi had been added to the club's shortlist alongside Alonso, Porto's Francesco Farioli and Cesc Fàbregas, with all four seen as fitting BlueCo's possession-based philosophy. Fàbregas is not expected to leave Como this summer.
However, subsequent reports from talkSPORT and journalist Ben Jacobs indicated that Chelsea are not expected to proceed with Xavi, with the club's hierarchy leaning toward candidates with either Premier League experience or a more established track record at the highest level.
Xavi has been out of work since leaving FC Barcelona in 2024 and is keen to return to management this summer. He is understood to be open to a move to England, but his conditions for taking a role are seen as demanding, and the volatile managerial environment at Stamford Bridge may not fit the settled project he is looking for.
Alonso remains the priority target. Chelsea held discussions with the former Real Madrid head coach but he has pushed for a greater say over football decisions than the club's current structure — which involves multiple layers of technical staff and co-directors of football — currently permits. Whether that obstacle can be overcome will determine the shape of the rest of the search.
Iraola, who will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season, is also admired, as is Fulham manager Marco Silva. Francesco Farioli of Porto — who led the club to a first league title since 2021 this season — has been discussed internally, though his status will depend on whether Porto qualify for the Champions League next season.
Chelsea's caretaker manager Callum McFarlane will remain in charge for the final four Premier League matches and the FA Cup final against Manchester City.