Chelsea 'most determined' to sign Alaves midfielder Antonio Blanco

Chelsea have emerged as the 'most determined' club to sign Alaves defensive midfielder Antonio Blanco this summer, according to reports in Spain. The 25-year-old former Real Madrid academy graduate has impressed during his spell at the Mendizorrotza, attracting Premier League interest.

Who is Antonio Blanco?

Blanco came through the ranks at Real Madrid, making his senior debut in the 2020-21 season. However, opportunities were limited at the Bernabeu, and he sought regular first-team football. After a loan stint at Alaves, he made the move permanent, becoming a key figure in their midfield.

Standing at 6'1", Blanco is a deep-lying playmaker, comfortable dictating tempo and breaking up opposition attacks. His passing range and positional intelligence have drawn comparisons to a younger Xabi Alonso, who now manages Bayer Leverkusen and is reportedly an admirer.

Why Chelsea need a defensive midfielder

Despite significant investment in midfield, Chelsea have lacked a consistent, specialised defensive screen. The departure of N'Golo Kante and ongoing injury concerns have left a void. Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez offer different skill sets, but neither is a pure defensive midfielder. Blanco could provide the balance needed to protect the back four and allow others to flourish.

Statistically, Blanco averages 2.5 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per 90 minutes in La Liga, placing him among the top 15% of midfielders in Europe's top five leagues. His pass completion rate of 88% also highlights his reliability in possession.

Transfer market context

While no fee has been disclosed, reports suggest Alaves would demand a substantial sum for their prized asset – potentially in the region of €30-40 million. Given Chelsea's recent spending, the deal would represent a relatively low-risk investment compared to the £100m+ paid for Caicedo. Alaves are in no rush to sell, though the player's desire to test himself in the Premier League could accelerate negotiations.

Comparisons have been drawn with Brighton's Moises Caicedo, who arrived from Independiente del Valle and adapted quickly. However, Blanco's La Liga experience – including matches against Real Madrid and Barcelona – suggests a shorter adjustment period.

FPL implications

For Fantasy Premier League managers, Blanco's potential arrival at Chelsea is intriguing. Currently not listed in the game, if he signs, he would likely be priced around £5.0-5.5 million. Given Chelsea's favourable run-in under Mauricio Pochettino, he could be a differential option for those seeking cheap enablers. However, as a defensive midfielder, his attacking returns may be limited, making him a punt for clean sheets and bonus points.

  • Price estimate: £5.0-5.5 million if signed.
  • Likely to be a squad rotation player initially.
  • Fixture analysis: Chelsea face Aston Villa, Manchester City in early weeks – tough tests for new signings.

What's next?

Chelsea are expected to intensify talks with Alaves once the transfer window opens. The player's desire to work with Xabi Alonso – if he were to move to Leverkusen – could complicate matters, but Chelsea's financial muscle and project under Pochettino might sway the decision. Alaves will likely push for a bidding war to drive up the price. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining Blanco's destination.

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