Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso believes Cole Palmer is a "special talent" and will be a key player for the Blues this season.

Palmer made a brilliant start to life at Chelsea, scoring 22 goals and providing 11 assists in 33 Premier League appearances during his debut campaign in 2023-24.

Overall, Palmer has directly contributed to 85 goals (54 goals, 31 assists) in 131 games since joining Chelsea from Manchester City, helping the Blues win the Club World Cup and Conference League.

And since his move to Stamford Bridge, only Erling Haaland (92), Mohamed Salah (89) and Ollie Watkins (75) have registered more direct goal involvements in the Premier League than Palmer (67 – 47 goals, 20 assists).

However, the 24-year-old managed to be score 10 goals and provide only one assist in the league last term, while only making four Champions League appearances as he struggled with various injuries. He also missed out on England's World Cup squad.

Nevertheless, Alonso is confident Palmer will show his quality for Chelsea after watching him train ahead of the new season.

"We have had a few training sessions already. From the first day, you can see he is a special talent, a special player. It's not easy to have one of those, you notice his quality and how he wants to play, the right decision in the right spot. 

"I'm happy that he has come in a good mood, with a good mindset to have a great season," Alonso said about Palmer.

"We are really looking forward to getting the best out of him.

"If we are able to build a strong team with proper stability to find the key players, for sure he will be a key player in the attacking part."

While Palmer is set to remain a key player for Chelsea, there are question marks over the futures of Argentinian duo Enzo Fernandez and Alejandro Garnacho.

Alonso wants Fernandez to stay, but did not detail the conversation between the pair, while Garnacho seems set to leave the Blues.

"Well the situation is that we have spoken with the sporting directors and there is an interest for him from other clubs," Alonso added of Garnacho.

"So, let's see how this develops. But hopefully, it finishes in the best possible way for all parts."

Roma are reportedly interested in signing Garnacho, but would prefer a loan deal with an option to buy.