Xabi Alonso decides on list of eight 'untouchable' players at Chelsea with two star names absent

Reece James, Cole Palmer and six other Chelsea players are deemed 'untouchable' by Xabi Alonso, while Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella have been left out of his eight-man list.

Alonso and the rest of his coaching staff were seen at Chelsea's training ground last week as they familiarised themselves with the Cobham facility ahead of their formal start date on July 1.

The visit was not related to transfer strategy, according to the BBC, but it's expected to be a busy summer for those behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge as they prepare for life under another new manager.

Before agreeing terms to become the new Chelsea boss, Alonso was keen to seek assurances over the club's transfer strategy.

And it appears part of that strategy is to keep hold of eight 'untouchable' players coming into this summer window - including Reece James, Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Levi Colwill, Estevao Willian, Joao Pedro and Josh Acheampong.

That's according to a report from The Athletic, which suggests Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella have been left out of Alonso's list of untouchables.

It is expected to be a busy summer at Chelsea. Image credit: Getty

After being handed a two-match suspension in April because of comments he made about his future, Fernandez has been strongly linked with a big-money move to Real Madrid.

Cucurella, meanwhile, is wanted by recently-crowned La Liga champions Barcelona but Manchester United and Manchester City have also joined the race to sign the full-back, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Chelsea have rejected multiple offers for player deemed 'untouchable' by Alonso

The Blues are desperate to keep hold of academy graduate Josh Acheampong, who was named on Alonso's list of untouchables.

The 20-year-old defender, who has made 30 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea this season, is attracting interest from a host of clubs. In fact, the Blues have turned down multiple approaches over the past six months.

Liverpool and Manchester City have made enquiries, according to a report from TeamTALK, which claims Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Juventus have also expressed an interest.

Acheampong has impressed in recent months. Image credit: Getty

However, Chelsea have rejected all of those approaches. They consider Acheampong 'untouchable' and someone who can play a significant role going forward, with that belief only strengthened since Alonso’s arrival.

Arsenal, Newcastle, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace are also monitoring the defender's situation.