Merciless Xabi: Spaniard axes five €190 million stars from Chelsea squad

Besides being regarded as an outstanding tactician, Xabi Alonso is known as one of the nicest people in football - always approachable, with a smile on his face, and willing to stop for a chat.

However, when it comes to work, he is a true professional, meaning that he sometimes has to make unpopular decisions and show his ruthless side.

Five Chelsea players have recently seen that aspect of his personality, as they have reportedly been axed from the squad!

According to the Portuguese outlet A Bola, Filip Jorgensen, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Alejandro Garnacho, and Liam Delap have all been given permission to leave in the ongoing transfer window, as the Spaniard no longer sees them as part of his plans.

In doing so, the club is trying to make room for new additions - Xabi reportedly wants a full-back, a winger, and a goalkeeper - while also generating funds, although the amount the Blues can recoup will likely be significantly lower than the €190 million they spent on bringing in the five outcasts.

Xabi breaks his silence and delivers bad news for Garnacho

With Chelsea's roster currently featuring as many as 37 players, this squad trimming will serve them well ahead of the new season.

This might not be Alonso's last clear-out, though A Bola claims that there are seven untouchables in his eyes: Moises Caicedo, Joao Pedro, Estevao, Reece James, Levi Colwill, Cole Palmer, and Josh Acheampong.

So far in the June Transfer Window, Chelsea have signed Marco Palestra from Atalanta for €57 million and Geovany Quenda from Sporting Lisbon for €50 million.