Chelsea are racing against the clock to secure their next head coach before the World Cup kicks off, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano. The Blues, still reeling from a turbulent season, aim to have everything "signed, announced, and completed" within the next month.

It's been a chaotic year at Stamford Bridge. Liam Rosenior became the second managerial casualty of the season after Enzo Maresca's January exit, leaving the club's sporting directors back at the drawing board. With a shortlist of five or six names, Chelsea are determined not to repeat past mistakes.

Xabi Alonso leads the pack as the preferred candidate, with his tactical acumen and European pedigree making him a natural fit. Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola is also high on the list, known for his high-energy style. Meanwhile, Marco Silva, Oliver Glasner, and Filipe Luis have been evaluated but currently sit lower in the club's thinking.

"The idea at Chelsea is to get the new manager as soon as possible before the World Cup—this is the plan," Romano shared on his YouTube channel. "In almost one month, for sure, Chelsea want to have everything already signed, already announced, already completed."

With so much at stake, the Blues are taking a measured approach. Getting this hire right is crucial for a club that has struggled for consistency this season. Alongside the coaching search, Chelsea are also prioritizing a starting-level centre back this summer, with Como's Jacobo Ramon emerging as a potential target.

For fans, the next few weeks promise to be decisive. Whether it's Alonso's tactical nous or Iraola's relentless pressing, the new boss will have a clear mandate: restore stability and build a team ready to compete at the highest level. Stay tuned—this story is just heating up.