Xabi Alonso prepared to unleash 6ft 7in Chelsea giant yet to play a game for the club

Xabi Alonso is reportedly ready to hand an uncapped Chelsea giant a spell in the first team squad and it could solve one of the club's key issues.

After what has been a disastrous end to the 2025/26 season, things are looking up for Chelsea fans after the club confirmed the appointment of Alonso as manager.

Despite links with replacing Arne Slot at Liverpool, the Spaniard has penned a four‑year contract with Chelsea to start from July, giving him the summer to shape his squad ahead of next season.

"‘From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies," Alonso said after his appointment.

‘There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club and it will be my great honour to lead it. Now the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies."

And it appears that the former Real Madrid manager will waste no time in putting together his squad, as he is reportedly ready to give 6ft 7in goalkeeper Mike Penders a place in his Chelsea squad.

According to Belgian sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri via Sky Sports Switzerland, the goalkeeper will return to Chelsea following a loan spell with sister club Strasbourg this season.

It is believed that Chelsea have been impressed with Penders' performances this season and believe he has the potential to eventually become the Blues' number one.

For Strausbourg this season, Penders featured in 33 of the club's 34 Ligue 1 matches, keeping eight clean sheets.

The 20-year-old will initially arrive as Chelsea's number two, with the plan currently to give him experience in cup competitions ahead of promoting him to number one later in his Chelsea career.

Chelsea eye up £50million move for Premier League goalkeeper

Of course, the arrival of Penders raises questions about the positions of both Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen in Alonso's squad.

And with reports suggesting that the London club are also considering a move for Sunderland keeper Robin Roefs, it appears increasingly likely that one of Sanchez and Jorgensen could go in the summer.

According to The Sun, both Chelsea and Liverpool have been impressed with Roefs performances in Sunderland's spectacular return to the Premier League.

Roefs has kept 10 clean sheets in 33 Premier League appearances following his £9m move from Dutch side NEC Nijmegen last July.

It is currently believed that any move for Roefs would demand a transfer fee of around £50m, representing a massive profit for Sunderland to compensate for losing their young goalkeeping star.