Chelsea handed major Andoni Iraola boost as manager agreement reached

Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has been linked to the vacant Chelsea job with a managerial twist elsewhere potentially increasing the chances of his appointment

Chelsea could be handed a significant boost in their pursuit of Andoni Iraola, following reports of a managerial agreement elsewhere. The 43-year-old is due to leave Bournemouth at the end of the season in search of a fresh challenge, with Chelsea now apparently in the running after earlier links to Athletic Club.

A move to the latter could hold considerable appeal for Iraola given his Basque roots. However, local publication Deia have claimed that an agreement is in place for Edin Terzic to succeed Ernesto Valverde, who is stepping down at the end of the season following his third stint at the helm.

The former Borussia Dortmund boss, who was briefly linked with Tottenham, has been in discussions with the Spanish club for several weeks. It now appears as though a resolution from those discussions has been found and he will lead the Spanish club from the 2026/27 season.

Iraola emerged of interest to Athletic Club earlier this year and having gone unbeaten at the Cherries since early January, it is perhaps little wonder that he has also been linked with the vacancy at Stamford Bridge. Nevertheless, he declined to be drawn on whether he would hold talks with Chelsea should a formal approach be made.

After Wednesday's 2-2 draw against Leeds United, he said: "No, I think I said it when I announced I was not continuing here. For me, now, it's about Bournemouth. Four games. We have an incredible position, (an) incredible fight (ahead)."

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"(This) past week, you were asking me about other clubs. I don't know exactly which ones, but also, as a sign of respect for Bournemouth, I cannot talk right now about my future because it's not what worries the Bournemouth supporters."

Having only brought in Liam Rosenior in January, Chelsea did not appear poised to make another managerial change this year but that is the predicament the club find themselves in after dismissing him following a 3-0 loss to Brighton.

For the second time this season it has been confirmed that Callum McFarlane will take interim manager will take charge until the end of the season. The final stages of securing a new permanent head coach may not commence until after the World Cup with numerous potential contenders at the tournament in the United States.

Manchester United's managerial choice could still influence the Blues with Michael Carrick landing the role on a long-term basis removing one elite club from the equation. Alternatively, Chelsea could even consider appointing Carrick themselves.

Just last weekend he guided United to triumph at Stamford Bridge and has secured eight wins from his 12 matches in charge to virtually guarantee Champions League qualification for next season.

Xabi Alonso, Luis Enrique, Julian Nagelsmann and Cesc Fabregas are just a handful of other big names likely to be thrown into the mix over the coming months. Iraola, however, remains the sole manager emerging as an early frontrunner who boasts recent and consistent experience at the helm in the Premier League.