Chelsea captain Reece James, Cole Palmer and six other first-team stars have reportedly been classified as ‘untouchable’ by Xabi Alonso, although Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella are not included in his selected group.
Alonso and members of his backroom team visited Chelsea’s training complex last week to get acquainted with the facilities at Cobham before officially beginning their duties on July 1.
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According to the BBC, the visit was not connected to transfer planning. However, another active summer is anticipated behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge as the club prepares for a new era under fresh leadership.
Prior to accepting the Chelsea job, Alonso reportedly wanted guarantees regarding the club’s recruitment and squad-building plans.
“Held off his marker and finished it”
He’s going to be massive under Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea, can’t wait… pic.twitter.com/wxfdJQyBYy https://t.co/ChBDKKuFQK
— Ken (@CFCKen_) June 2, 2026
As part of those discussions, eight players have reportedly been identified as ‘untouchable’ ahead of the summer transfer window. The group includes Reece James, Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Levi Colwill, Estevao Willian, Joao Pedro and Josh Acheampong.
A report from The Athletic claims that Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella are not among the players regarded as untouchable by Alonso.
Enzo didn’t clap for them, then went ahead to score 3 mins into the game 😭
Ownership.😂pic.twitter.com/XJMcIENFpH https://t.co/NQsVcozFny
— Dan (@CfcDan_01) June 6, 2026
Fernandez has continued to attract transfer speculation, particularly from Real Madrid, after receiving a two-game suspension in April following remarks concerning his future.
Meanwhile, Cucurella has emerged as a target for Barcelona after their La Liga triumph. Reports from Mundo Deportivo also suggest that Manchester United and Manchester City are monitoring the left-back’s situation.
Chelsea are especially determined to retain academy product Josh Acheampong, who features among Alonso’s list of untouchable players.
The 20-year-old defender has made 30 appearances across all competitions this season and is generating strong interest from several clubs. Chelsea have reportedly rejected a number of approaches for him during the last six months.
TeamTALK reports that Liverpool and Manchester City have both made enquiries, while Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Juventus are also said to be keeping tabs on the youngster.
Despite the growing interest, Chelsea have turned away every approach. The club views Acheampong as ‘untouchable’ and believes he can become an important figure in the squad for years to come, a view that has only been reinforced since Alonso’s arrival.
Arsenal, Newcastle, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace are also understood to be following developments surrounding the highly-rated defender.
