Xabi Alonso to Chelsea: Smart transfer targets that could shape the team in Alonso' image | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso has been named as the new manager of Chelsea, with the Spaniard set to assume office in July.

Alonso will walk into a Chelsea camp that has struggled this season, with the West Londoners ninth in thePremier League and set to miss out on Champions League qualification.

Chelsea's youth-centric recruitment policy has led to a muddled squad, one without the required leadership or experience to challenge at the top end.

The 44-year-old has favoured a 3-4-2-1 system during his coaching career to date, and the expectation is that the shape will be implemented at Stamford Bridge.

A big summer awaits Alonso and the club's recruitment team, who need players who can hit the ground running.

Six realistic potential transfer targets that could shape Chelsea in Alonso's image.

Mike Maignan - AC Milan

Chelsea pulled out of a deal to sign Mike Maignan from AC Milan last summer, a decision most would deem a mistake. Neither Robert Sanchez nor Filip Jorgensen have convinced at Chelsea and Maignan would offer an instant upgrade.

Just four players across Europe boast a better save percentage than the Milan captain, who would be the top-tier operator Chelsea have long lacked in goal.

Alejandro Grimaldo - Bayer Leverkusen

Arguably, the key to Alonso's game plan is the wing-backs, and Alejandro Grimaldo ensured the vision became a success in Leverkusen.

The Spaniard has produced frightening output from left wing-back with 10 goals and 13 assists in the league alone during Leverkusen's title-winning campaign.

He's managed eight goals and eight assists in theBundesliga this season, despite Leverkusen's inconsistent campaign.

With Marc Cucurella present, a left-sided defender is not a priority, but it would be hard to turn down a reunion with Grimaldo if the opportunity arises. The 30-year-old is open to an exit and reportedly available for around €30m.

Jon Martin - Real Sociedad

Could Alonso return to his first club for a Sociedad starlet? Jon Martin has piqued the interest of La Liga's leading clubs after an impressive emergence in San Sebastián.

The centre-back was named in the UEFA U-19 European Championship Team of the Tournament last summer, before a breakthrough at Sociedad that has included 30 senior appearances and Copa del Rey success.

The 20-year-old ranks in the top 12% of centre-backs across Europe for percentage of defensive duels and aerial duels won, and in the top 20% for forward passes completed.

John Stones - Manchester City

Central defence has been an Achilles heel for Chelsea, with a lack of experience exposed. Though there will be reservations over his recent fitness record, Stones could solve plenty of problems.

Excellent with the ball at his feet, vastly experienced, and a serial winner, Chelsea could do a lot worse than offer the free agent a deal.Stones will leave the Cityzens when his contract expires in the summer.

Aurelien Tchouameni - Real Madrid

Aurelien Tchouameni could be ousted at Real Madrid this summer, having been at the centre of recent conflict. The Frenchman's fight with vice-captain Federico Valverde formed part of the recent chaos at the Bernabeu, and could see offers considered in the summer.

The lack of Champions League football would cost against Chelsea in the race for the midfielder, but he'd offer an ideal complement to Moises Caicedo in a midfield pivot. With Enzo Fernandez angling for a move and Romeo Lavia's fitness unreliable, it's a deal that makes sense.

Morgan Gibbs-White - Nottingham Forest

Alonso's system depends on creativity from dual number tens, with Cole Palmer sure to fill one of those roles.

Chelsea have a collection of wide players who have underwhelmed in West London, and another playmaker is likely to be in their sights. Chelsea could do far worse than pursueMorgan Gibbs-White, who appears ready for the next step after almost singlehandedly saving Nottingham Forest from relegation.

Gibbs-White has scored 13 goals and laid on four assists in the Premier League, with no midfielder outscoring the 26-year-old. After coming close to a move to London with Spurs last summer, Chelsea could consider a Premier League-ready signing that would improve their creative cast.

The Blues have a long-standing interest in Morgan Rogers, but Aston Villa's qualification for the Champions League makes that deal unlikely.