RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Chelsea are targeting deals for Maxence Lacroix, Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson and the ages of the experienced trio, especially the latter two, seem to signal a major change in transfer tactics from the Blues.
At 26 years old, it could be said that Crystal Palace defender Lacroix is in his prime, but the £52m target is still notably older than other recent Blues signings.
It has been two years since Chelsea signed a player older than Lacroix, and Tosin Adarabioyo was only marginally older when he arrived three months before turning 27.
Welbeck's potential arrival could mean a 35-year-old replacing 23-year-old Liam Delap in the first-team picture, despite the former Ipswich Town man being considered one of the Premier League's most exciting young strikers when Chelsea signed him last year.
So does this signal a deliberate change in recruitment strategy, such as prioritising experience over youth? And what might Chelsea have learned from recent seasons?
Well, if his previous managerial approach is anything to go by, Xabi Alonso favours a blend of youth and experience.
The Spaniard signed four players over the age of 27 for the 2023-24 season at Bayer Leverkusen- including Granit Xhaka and Alejandro Grimaldo, who became key players in the Bundesliga title-winning side.
Another four players over the age of 27 came in the following season - and it could be a similar story now at Chelsea.
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