Xavi, who has been without a club since leaving Barcelona in the summer of 2024, joins a list that includes Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva, Francesco Farioli and Edin Terzic. Iraola remains the frontrunner having already been contacted by the club, while Chelsea have previously held discussions with several other high-profile managers across previous vacancies.
The club's statement confirmed they would take time for "self-reflection" before making a long-term appointment, signalling no immediate rush to hire.
Rosenior's sacking after just 23 matches represented the second managerial change of the season following Enzo Maresca's departure in January.
Both Maresca and Rosenior arrived without Premier League experience — a pattern the ownership is now looking to break.
Xavi is understood to be keen to return to management. He speaks English and has name recognition that aligns with Chelsea's stated ambitions, though his record at Barcelona in his final season — which ended with him departing by mutual consent — remains a point of scrutiny.
Calum McFarlane continues as interim head coach until the end of the season.