Xabi Alonso starts Chelsea reign as summer signings arrive at Cobham
Xabi Alonso has officially started his tenure as Chelsea head coach, arriving at the Cobham training ground alongside summer signings Geovany Quenda and Dastan Satpayev.
While official pre-season preparations do not commence for another nine days, several players on pre-agreed transfers have already reported for duty.
Satpayev was photographed at the Surrey base alongside Chelsea sporting director Joe Shields and FC Kairat owner Kairat Boranbayev.
Footage from the club gymnasium also showed the incoming prospect completing a workout, with Quenda visible in the background.
Alonso evaluates fresh squad additions
The versatile 19-year-old Quenda agreed his move to the London club in March last year in a dual deal with Sporting CP that included Dario Essugo.
The Portuguese teenager spent the subsequent season on loan in Lisbon, registering six goals and nine assists across 32 appearances.
Those statistics are particularly impressive given the winger missed four months of the campaign after suffering a broken metatarsal.
His arrival coincides perfectly with the appointment of the new Spanish manager, who heavily favoured a wing-back system during his previous managerial stints.
Ongoing transfer business and departures
Strasbourg duo Emmanuel Emegha and Valentin Barco are also expected to join the squad shortly after securing moves ahead of the new campaign.
The Blues are actively restructuring their flanks, with right wing-back Marco Palestra arriving from Atalanta and Pep Chavarria targeted from Rayo Vallecano.
These defensive adjustments follow the departure of first-choice left-back Marc Cucurella, who recently completed a transfer to Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants are also reportedly monitoring the situation of midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
World Cup delays further movement
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who is now in charge at Manchester City, is keen to reunite with full-back Malo Gusto at the Etihad Stadium.
However, the Stamford Bridge hierarchy have placed a £75m valuation on the defender to deter potential suitors following a difficult domestic campaign.
Decisions regarding the futures of several key personnel will likely be delayed until mid-July due to the ongoing World Cup.
Both Gusto and Fernandez are expected to advance deep into the international tournament with France and Argentina respectively.