Incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has set his sights on Brentford forward Igor Thiago ahead of the summer transfer window.
Chelsea Manager Alonso Makes Igor Thiago His Top Transfer Priority
The Spanish tactician will replace caretaker head coach Calum McFarlane at Stamford Bridge after Sunday’s season finale against Sunderland.
McFarlane has led the Blues since Liam Rosenior’s dismissal last month, but Alonso’s arrival signals a new era for the west London club.
Chelsea currently sit eighth in the Premier League table. They remain in contention for Europa League or Conference League qualification, though missing out on European football entirely remains a possibility.
According to CaughtOffside, Alonso deeply admires the 24-year-old Brazilian striker and wants to bring him to SW6 this summer.
Thiago joined Brentford from Belgian side Club Brugge in 2024, but injuries ruined his debut English season.
This year, however, the forward has exploded into form. He has scored 22 Premier League goals for Keith Andrews’ side – a tally only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has bettered.
Chelsea desperately need a premium striker. Liam Delap has struggled throughout his first season at the Bridge, and club recruitment chiefs believe Thiago can provide support for Joao Pedro in attack.
The report adds that Thiago, who will represent Brazil at this summer’s World Cup in the United States under Carlo Ancelotti, likes the idea of moving to a bigger club.
A switch to Chelsea could therefore tempt the prolific goalscorer.
With Alonso preparing to reshape the squad, Thiago has emerged as a top target.
Whether the Blues can lure the 22-goal forward away from their close neighbours Brentford remains one of the summer’s intriguing transfer stories.
