Chelsea are expected to oversee another huge summer rebuild ahead of Xabi Alonso’s first season in charge at Stamford Bridge.
After a disastrous campaign which ended without European football, several incomings and outgoings are expected as Chelsea attempt to give Alonso the players he needs.
Midfield is set to be the area of the pitch most likely to change, especially with growing uncertainty surrounding the future of Enzo Fernandez amid continued interest from Real Madrid.
That is why Chelsea's recent links to Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes have caught the attention of lifelong Chelsea fan and talkSPORT presenter Olivia Buzaglo.
Olivia Buzaglo wants Chelsea to sign Bruno Guimaraes
Speaking recently about Chelsea’s midfield situation, Buzaglo admitted she would love the Blues to prioritise signing another top-level central midfielder this summer, and picked out Guimaraes as a player with the wow-factor.
“Centre midfielders - I think we need someone alongside Moises Caicedo. I love Romeo Lavia, but the injury record is just getting a bit silly," she said.
"Today I actually saw reports linking us with Bruno Guimaraes. Now that is a signing I could 100% get behind. Oh my gosh - that would be a serious move!”
It's hard to disagree that Guimaraes wouldn't be an upgrade on Lavia, regardless of whether or not the Chelsea midfielder ends up moving on.
Lavia is simply too unreliable when it comes to injuries proven by his omission from Belgium's 2026 World Cup squad.
Guimaraes is the complete opposition. The Brazilian is almost-always fit for Newcastle United. Since 2023, Guimaraes has played in 138 games; Lavia just 43.
Guimaraes just feels like a Chelsea player. He's Premier League proven, aggressive and technically sound. Not to mention his leadership qualities; something the Blues have desperatly lacked since BlueCo took charge of the club in 2022.
Alongside Moises Caicedo, Guimaraes would instantly give Chelsea a much more powerful midfield, regardless of whether Fernandez joins Real Madrid or not.
Enzo Fernandez won't leave Stamford Bridge for less than mammoth fee
Of course, much of Chelsea’s midfield planning this summer will depend on Fernandez’s future.
Recent reports have suggested the Argentine wants to join Los Blancos, while there are also claims he has refused to enter discussions over signing a new contract at Stamford Bridge.
Despite that, Chelsea remain in a strong negotiating position financially due to the South American still having six years left on his contract, hence their refusal to sell for anything less £120 million.
Should Real Madrid somehow meet Chelsea’s valuation, it would hand Alonso huge sums to spend on at least one replacement, and if the 44-year-old believes Guimaraes is available, there is no doubting he'd be a top addition.
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