Reporter: Alonso knew about Cucurella's move to Real Madrid; reports to the contrary are nonsense

According to Mail Sport journalist Kieran Gill, Chelsea still have significant transfer work to do this summer.

Chelsea have sold Cucurella to Real Madrid, but the team still has considerable work ahead in the transfer window. This summer is crucial if Xabi Alonso is to lead the team back to the Champions League.

Chelsea need to both make signings and move players on. According to club sources, Chelsea hope to sign at least two high-quality players who can immediately compete for starting spots next season.

However, after failing to qualify for European competition next season, Chelsea must also sell players. Here is the latest inside information from Stamford Bridge, provided by Mail Sport's Chelsea correspondent Kieran Gill.

Has Alonso started work yet?

Alonso's official start date is July 1st, but unofficially he is already involved in club operations. He and his assistants have visited Cobham training base, relocated to London with his family, spoken with several players, and continuously participated in discussions about potential signings and departures.

I saw reports from Spain claiming that Alonso only learned about Cucurella's move to Real Madrid through social media. This is complete nonsense. How could a manager not know that a key first-team player was being sold?

As we understand it, Cucurella left for £51.8 million, and Chelsea are satisfied with the outcome. The Spanish player had informed the club of his desire to return home for family reasons. Hato's development last season was a factor in Chelsea approving the sale, and Valentín-Barco is expected to arrive from Strasbourg as a replacement.

Chelsea plan to reinvest these funds to strengthen the squad.

Why isn't Chelsea being linked with many names?

Chelsea are keeping transfer business very quiet, which is fine, though frustrating for those covering the club. Scroll through social media and you'll see numerous supposed targets—Tonali, Andrea Cambiaso, and others. We hear various rumors, but they must be verified before reporting them as fact.

Here's a small example to illustrate how transfer tracking works. About a week ago, external sources mentioned two players Chelsea might be interested in: Arsenal's Nwaneri and Tottenham's Lucas Bergvall. I did my due diligence and checked these leads with my contacts at Chelsea. The feedback was clear: Chelsea are not currently pursuing either player, despite having admired them in previous windows. So I didn't write a story. It's disappointing when a lead doesn't pan out, but this is common practice—you simply move on to the next.

Nwaneri participated in England's pre-World Cup training camp, but Chelsea did not attempt to sign him.

Will Enzo Fernández leave?

If I had to predict, I'd be surprised if he's still a Chelsea player next season.

Enzo Fernández is clearly willing to join Real Madrid, and personal terms don't appear to be an obstacle. Chelsea know Real Madrid are interested, but there are currently no club-level negotiations between the two sides regarding a deal. The various rumors surrounding this transfer are not coming from Chelsea—the club is quite quiet on the matter. Chelsea have set a £120 million price tag on Enzo, and that's their position.

It's also worth noting that Chelsea stated from the outset they would be willing to keep Enzo if no team met their valuation. Chelsea believe selling Cucurella for £51.8 million demonstrates their ability to command strong fees in the transfer market.

Real Madrid have not yet made a formal offer for Enzo Fernández.

Will Chelsea sign a center-back?

A center-back is a priority reinforcement position for Chelsea this summer.

I previously reported that Crystal Palace's Lacroix and Brighton's Van Hecke were both options Chelsea considered. Van Hecke has since joined Tottenham, who have recently beaten Chelsea to several signings—Xavi Simons, Mathys Tel, and Senesi among them.

I wonder if Chelsea will revisit Huijsen. He's highly regarded internally at Chelsea, and the club was disappointed to miss out on him to Real Madrid last summer. If Huijsen is willing and Mourinho—who briefly coached him during his Roma loan—allows him to leave, this could address one of Chelsea's transfer regrets. However, this is purely speculation.

Chelsea have numerous center-backs on their books: Colwill, Chalobah, Acheampong, Anselmino, Disasi, Badiashile, Fofana, Adarabioyo, and Sarr. Despite this depth, Chelsea want to sign another center-back capable of competing for a starting spot. Sales and loans will be necessary, particularly without European football to provide additional playing time.

Chelsea are interested in Crystal Palace center-back Lacroix.

What type of signings does Chelsea want this summer?

As mentioned, Chelsea want a center-back and a versatile attacking player—someone proven at the highest level.

Chelsea's interest in Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers is no secret, but they're not alone in pursuing him. If Tyrique George returns from Everton, he is more likely to leave. Everton have not yet triggered their buy-out option on the Cobham academy product, valued at approximately £25 million.

Any updates on shirt sponsorship?

Chelsea won't want to start another season without a shirt sponsor. Frankly, this recurring situation is embarrassing. Chelsea's contract with IFS expired at the end of last season.

We occasionally see social media claims that Chelsea have reached a deal, but no official announcement follows. Currently, Chelsea sources say the club is in talks with several potential partners, but nothing is confirmed. If Chelsea wanted to announce a new sponsor tomorrow, they could, but it comes down to money—what Chelsea want versus what sponsors are willing to pay. It's conceivable that current negotiations involve sponsors seeking a lower fee given Chelsea won't have European football next season.

Chelsea may announce a pre-season tour partner for their Australia and Asia tour in the meantime.

What's the situation up front?

Nicolas Jackson will return to Chelsea this summer after his Bayern loan, but his future at the club remains uncertain. Chelsea currently have Jackson, Delap, Emega, and João Pedro as forwards—too many. At least one must leave, and it won't be João Pedro.

You could also include versatile forward Dastan Satpayev, who will join from Kazakh club Kairat this summer. What happens next with him remains to be seen. He arrives in London next week and is expected to participate in Alonso's pre-season training.

Although Senegal lost to France in their opening World Cup match, I liked Jackson's performance. A few weeks ago, I was told Chelsea wanted to give him a chance in pre-season, and as far as I know, that remains the plan. He can also play as a left winger, which works in his favor. Personally, I'd keep Jackson and let Delap leave.

Will Petrovic stay?

That's the current talk, but Chelsea haven't confirmed specific goalkeeping plans yet.

Petrovic will return after his Strasbourg loan and will compete with Robert Sánchez for the number-one spot. Jörgensen has been told he's free to seek other options.

Jörgensen's Chelsea career hasn't developed as hoped, and unfortunately, people will always remember him for that Paris match.