Chelsea full back Marcos Alonso has confirmed that the club is one of the main contenders to win the Premier League next season.
The Spanish full-back is convinced that his team, under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel, will return to compete for all domestic titles in the 2022/23 season.
Chelsea’s last Premier League title was in the 2016-2017 season under current Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte. However, they have since won the UEFA Champions League, European Super Cup, as well as the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time ever. The club is also the most successful English club of the last two decades.
Alonso, who is in his sixth season with Chelsea and believes he is one of the players the club will try to move forward in the summer, believes the Blues can rival any opponent in England. However, he admits it will be a matter of consistency and hopes the club can find the right level to compete for the first domestic title next season.
Chelsea has had a lot of its success thanks to the good investment from owner Roman Abramovich. However, the Russian billionaire is currently selling the club as his UK assets, including Chelsea, have been damaged due to his links with Russian President Vladimir Putin with the invasion of Ukraine.
It is also expected that the new owners of the club will invest more money in the team and this means acquiring more quality players who will help in the challenge for titles.
When asked if he thought the club’s new owners would invest enough to get them to unite again, the Spain full-back replied: “I would say so.
“We saw a few years ago when we won the last game and we were competing against these teams. I think we can win anything against any team and we just need to improve a little bit on that consistency over the whole season.
“We will try to be a little closer for next season.”
Chelsea’s next challenge is the London derby with Arsenal, who have currently lost their last three Premier League games. The Blues will meet Arsenal in a poor round of performance but Alonso claims the match will be tough.
“They play good football, they have a good coach, and some very good young talents. Of course it will be difficult,” he said.
Meanwhile, one player Alonso and several members of the dressing room are hoping not to lose next season, Antonio Rudiger, who has refused to advance from Manchester United.
The German defender’s contract expires in June but with Chelsea’s current problems, there are no chances for contract negotiations.
Rudiger is happy to remain at the club, but is hoping for a significant salary increase that the Blues cannot offer him at the moment, hence his agent’s discussions with other clubs. One of the clubs that Rudiger has approached is Man United, who have now reportedly refused.
Reports indicate that the German wants a club that guarantees him a Champions League next season, and United, who are currently fifth in the Premier League with a string of unfavorable matches, are unlikely to qualify for the tournament.
The news will be a huge blow to Manchester United who are in desperate need of a top central defender and will give Chelsea some hope as they try to settle their ownership situation and begin talks with Rudiger once again.
