Alonso's Madrid Shopping List: Guler Stays Put, but Carreras Eyes Stamford Bridge

Chelsea have wasted no time plotting their summer overhaul following the announcement that Xabi Alonso will take the reins at Stamford Bridge come July 1st. The Spanish tactician has already drawn up his initial wishlist, and it's no surprise where his eyes have turned.

According to reports filtering out of Spain, Alonso has demanded that the Blues pursue two familiar faces from his time at Real Madrid: Arda Guler and Alvaro Carreras. Both players worked under the incoming Chelsea manager during his stint at the Bernabeu, and both have grown increasingly uneasy about their prospects under Jose Mourinho's impending appointment at the Spanish giants.

The Galacticos' situation, however, presents a mixed picture for Chelsea's recruitment team. Guler, the Turkey international, has indeed taken note of interest from the West London club and other suitors circling his availability. Yet the 21-year-old remains steadfast in his conviction that his future lies in the Spanish capital, where he harbours ambitions of becoming a Madrid legend.

Carreras, by contrast, represents a more promising proposition. The former Manchester United prospect would relish the opportunity to reunite with Alonso and make a permanent move to London this summer, presenting a far more straightforward path to securing one half of the managerial target list.

Alonso's appointment comes after Calum McFarlane steered Chelsea through the remainder of the current campaign. The Spaniard has committed to a four-year deal at the club, bringing with him the pedigree of a Champions League winner and the architect of Bayer Leverkusen's historic Bundesliga triumph.

The 42-year-old spoke glowingly of his new challenge upon confirmation of the move. "Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club," Alonso reflected. "From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies."

He added: "There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club and it will be my great honour to lead it. Now the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies."

Chelsea have already shown their attacking credentials under McFarlane's stewardship, dispatching Tottenham 2-1 on Tuesday evening, but Alonso's arrival signals the beginning of a new era at the Bridge.