Chelsea are showing an interest in Bayer Leverkusen winger Ibrahim Maza, and Xabi Alonso's comments on the 20-year-old have now resurfaced.
The Blues are entering another period of transformation following Liam Rosenior's dismissal last week, with Alonso emerging as a top candidate to become Chelsea's next manager.
Alonso masterminded an invincible campaign to win the Bundesliga with Leverkusen in 2023/24, and then joined Real Madrid in June 2025 before being sacked just seven months later.
The 44-year-old is now on the lookout for his next big role, and many would agree that his pedigree puts him ahead of any current name on Chelsea's shortlist, including Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva.
BlueCo must hire a proven winner from Europe's top five leagues, and while Alonso ticks that box, it remains to be seen whether he is willing to join a side that won't be playing in the Champions League next season.
Xabi Alonso's comments on Chelsea target Ibrahim Maza
If Alonso does join, although he wouldn't have the final say on transfers, he will have targets in mind, and Leverkusen's Maza is surely on his list.
He captured the talented winger for around £10 million from Hertha Berlin last summer after watching him dazzle in the 2. Bundesliga, with 10 goal involvements in 33 appearances, while speaking highly of the Algerian wonderkid.
"I talked to him. He's a player with different qualities. Good between the lines with good potential. He has many things to develop, but we always think that our club is good for players young players who have that will to improve. And he has a good personality, he's young but mature. So he's a very good signing and we're happy that he's with us."
Shortly after landing the 20-year-old, Alonso made his move to Madrid, but interestingly, Chelsea have since admired the fleet-footed talent.
According to TEAMTalk, the Blues are keeping a close eye on Maza's progress ahead of the summer transfer window and are joined by Manchester City and Aston Villa in the race for his signature.
The report claims that Maza's "versatility" is a "key factor" behind growing interest in the youngster, as he's capable of operating as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, and in wider roles.
Maza would be perfect for Chelsea
Maza's flexibility to fit in multiple systems makes him an attractive proposition, as does his quality in the final third, with the Algerian netting five goals and providing six assists across all competitions.
Indeed, Alonso showed his eye for talent by spotting him in Germany's second division, as the midfield metronome has transformed into one of Europe's most exciting young players.
It opens the possibility of Alonso bringing him to Stamford Bridge, if he joins Chelsea, and that would be music to supporters ears.
Maza could replace out-of-favour Alejandro Garnacho on the left flank and offer cover for the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer, making him the perfect squad player with limitless potential.
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