Story thread · 30 reports / 16 sources

Xabi Alonso stepped in to block deadline day move for £21m Chelsea star

metro.co.uk · 12dShare

Alonso sees a role for him in the squad this season (Picture: Qin Zhicheng/VCG via Getty Images) Xabi Alonso blocked a possible loan exit for Chelsea striker Emmanuel Emegha during the final days of the summer transfer window. Emegha was signed by Chelsea for £21million last year, spending the 2025-26 season on loan at Strasbourg where he scored eight goals in 18 appearances. The Netherlands international scored in pre-season games against Crawley and Bromley but a hamstring injury ruled him out of the pre-season tour of Australia and Asia. He was left out of the Chelsea squad for Premier League matches against Fulham and Brighton but was fit enough to take a spot on the bench in the Carabao Cup victory over Luton Town. Exclusive Premier League previews Get ahead of the start of the season with our weekly football newsletter. Sign up now for free. Chelsea cleaned house up front this summer with Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson sold to Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa respectively for a

First report: Moises Caicedo injury blow as devastated Chelsea midfielder hands Xabi Alonso worry — football.london, 15d