(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Wed 29 April 2026 10:26, UK

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Andoni Iraola is showing a strong interest in becoming the next Chelsea manager at the end of the season, sources have told Football Insider.

The departing Bournemouth boss has already emerged as one of the leading candidates to take the reins at Stamford Bridge this summer, and it is understood that he would “find it hard” to turn down an offer from the Blues.

The Spaniard is currently weighing up his array of options for his next move, and sources say that the Chelsea job remains an attractive proposition to top-level bosses, despite a controversial working environment.

Iraola’s imminent availability is set to make him a “man in demand” ahead of next season, but the idea of managing Chelsea is something that appeals to him.

Calum McFarlane is currently in interim charge of the West Londoners until the end of the season, but candidates are already being assessed to become Chelsea’s next permanent boss.

Chelsea in the frame as Andoni Iraola waits to make key decision

Chelsea have Iraola as one of several names on their list to potentially become their next appointment, but the 43-year-old is also seen as an attractive option at multiple other clubs.

Crystal Palace are strong admirers of the Bournemouth chief, while Newcastle have also been heavily linked with a surprise move for him of late.

There has also been interest from the Bundesliga and his native Spain, which looks set to leave him with plenty of different avenues that he could take for his next challenge.

Iraola currently has his Bournemouth side on course to record their highest Premier League finish of his three-year reign, as they are seventh and firmly in the mix to secure European football for next term.

He has taken the Cherries to new heights with his work at the Vitality Stadium, and that has seen him collect a whole host of admirers along the way.

Chelsea sit firmly among them, and the ball appears to be in their court as to whether they decide to try and make a move for him.

Blues may hit stumbling block with Iraola appointment

Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Iraola wants to test himself at European level in his next job, making it unlikely that he will consider a move to Crystal Palace.

He is keen to take his career to new heights in his next role, and that ambition to manage in continental competitions could cause issues for Chelsea as well.

The Blues have slipped down to eighth place in recent weeks, and the prospect of Champions League football is now almost certainly off the table for them.

The Europa League and UEFA Conference League both remain possibilities heading into the final four games of the season, but that relies on them emerging victorious from what could be a battle involving up to seven teams.

Chelsea are just one point adrift of the European spots at the moment, but they will have to usurp Iraola’s Bournemouth if they are to reach their end goal.