When it comes to finding the next leader on the touchline, the Chelsea dressing room has already made up its mind. According to reports from The Guardian, the Blues' squad believes Xabi Alonso is the perfect fit to take over as head coach, with negotiations reportedly moving in a positive direction.

The Spanish tactician, currently making waves in management, has emerged as the frontrunner in Chelsea's search for a new boss. After parting ways with Liam Rosenior last month—the second head coach to leave Stamford Bridge this season following Enzo Maresca's departure in January—the club is under pressure to get this appointment right.

Chelsea's sporting directors are leading the hunt, aiming to have their new man in place before the World Cup kicks off next month. While there's a shortlist of five or six candidates, Alonso is said to be the preferred choice, with Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola also a strong contender. The club has reportedly checked in on Marco Silva, Filipe Luis, and Oliver Glasner, though those names aren't currently at the top of the list.

What's really turning heads is the mood inside the dressing room. Players have reportedly been impressed by the positive conversations with Alonso's camp, and there's a growing belief that he's the right man to steady the ship and get the team back on track. The feeling is that his tactical acumen and winning pedigree—honed during his playing days at Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich—could be exactly what this young Chelsea squad needs.

As the search intensifies, one thing is clear: the Blues can't afford another misstep. With the squad rallying behind Alonso, all eyes are on whether the club can seal the deal before the summer transfer window heats up.