Sources: Danny Welbeck pretty much done, Jordan Henderson following... Chelsea look into John Stones alternatives

Xabi Alonso has emphasised the importance of experience - New CB name in this 👀

When Xabi Alonso first had conversations with the Chelsea owners about taking the manager job at the club, one of the main things he told them was that this squad was talented, but it lacks experience and leadership, and also culture.

Alonso believes that a good club culture involves everyone, from canteen staff to the players on the pitch, and he wants to have leaders and experience all around him.

Chelsea had already decided to tweak their approach in the transfer market and change the project to adapt more to experience, and the fact that Alonso was also saying it, saw them vastly shift and being much more open to bringing in older players.

Obviously they tried for John Stones and Granit Xhaka, but have been unable to land either player. With Stones, Chelsea spoke twice with him. In the second round of talks, Stones was very open to the move to Stamford Bridge. However, he ultimately decided that he just wants to play in another league before he retires, so it was as simple as that really - nothing else Chelsea could have done to convince him to come.