Desailly urges Alonso to make Salah Chelsea's summer priority

Chelsea's incoming manager Xabi Alonso should make a bold statement by recruiting Mohamed Salah this summer, according to former Blues centre-back Marcel Desailly.

Alonso takes charge at Stamford Bridge from July 1, following a managerial carousel that saw Liam Rosenior sacked in late April, replaced temporarily by Calum McFarlane. The Spanish tactician arrives at a club that finished tenth last season, missing out on European football after a defeat to Sunderland on the final day.

Desailly believes the 32-year-old Liverpool winger represents exactly the calibre of experienced talent Chelsea should pursue in their rebuild. Speaking to FootballTransfers, the former defender outlined his case for Salah's recruitment, suggesting London's lifestyle could prove appealing to the Egyptian star.

"Bring Mohamed Salah back," Desailly said. "He's been there before and it didn't work out. Maybe Salah wants a London club for his family, for a better quality of life. It's not that Liverpool is unlivable, but London might be much better for them. I would say he is one of those experienced players who can bring that special element into the system."

Salah himself remains uncommitted on his future, having drawn 1-1 with Brentford last Sunday. The Liverpool number 11, who will captain Egypt at the World Cup, suggested his decision-making would accelerate once his international duties conclude.

"I am still assessing things. I have time now. I am going to the World Cup and then everything will become clear," Salah explained. "If there is a good opportunity before then, I will decide, and if there isn't, I will make my decision after the World Cup."

Desailly also championed Darwin Núñez as a potential recruit, despite the Uruguayan's current situation at Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal. The former Chelsea man believes Núñez could flourish in an Alonso system at Stamford Bridge.

"I also love Darwin Nunez. Yeah, he's not that experienced yet, but I feel that at Chelsea he can perform," Desailly added. "He can bring something special into the system. If he plays by himself up front, he can really be a great point of reference in a Xabi Alonso system."