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Another fresh era is under way with Xabi Alonso in charge, but this time there is a sense that something is genuinely different.

At a club that routinely buys players, sells players, sends players out on loan and changes the man in charge with remarkable frequency, almost every summer can seem like the start of a new cycle at Chelsea. More often than not, it is. But this year, more than at any stage under BlueCo’s ownership, there is a real feeling that a distinct new chapter has begun.

Xabi Alonso has had the advantage of a full pre-season to assess his squad, understand his players better and map out what could be effective across the campaign and what may not. His first competitive game as Chelsea boss comes against west London rivals Fulham, and also sets Alonso against his long-time former Spain team-mate Alvaro Arbeloa, as well as the man who followed him in the Real Madrid dugout.

Alonso — appointed as manager rather than head coach — has been given the responsibility of leading Chelsea from a difficult period towards brighter days. Some observers are even backing them to challenge Arsenal for the title this season. With no European football, Chelsea will usually have only one match a week, while the new signings have quietly impressed many neutrals, and Alonso’s credentials as a manager are obvious after his outstanding spell at Bayer Leverkusen, despite a miserable time in Madrid.

Is it going too far to say Chelsea can truly compete for the title? That will only become clear over time. They should unquestionably gain from a lighter fixture list after two punishing seasons, and their work in the transfer market has strengthened them considerably. Even so, simply qualifying for the Champions League would represent a significant step forward after finishing tenth last season. Arsenal currently possess a level of momentum, resilience and big-match knowhow that Chelsea are not yet able to match. It is Alonso’s job to mask those weaknesses as effectively as possible — and to build those qualities into his side as quickly as he can.

With a refreshed Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro, the indefatigable Moises Caicedo, the ever-energetic Reece James and, at least for the moment, Enzo Fernandez, Alonso has inherited a group containing some outstanding talent. His new club have also invested heavily to give him even more options.

Morgan Rogers, a childhood friend of Palmer, looks capable of bringing a valuable new dimension to Chelsea’s attack. Marco Palestra and Pep Chavarria add youth and aggression in the wide areas, while Maxence Lacroix arrives as a centre-back with proven Premier League pedigree and clear quality.

The most intriguing arrivals, though, have naturally been Jordan Henderson, 36, and Danny Welbeck, 35. Chelsea’s directors have belatedly recognised that the biggest flaw in their youth-driven model was the lack of genuine on-pitch experience it created. It remains to be seen how much Welbeck — and especially Henderson — will actually play, but their professionalism, vast career experience and leadership should be hugely beneficial for both Alonso and Chelsea.

Chelsea need to make a statement. On the opening night, they must do what Arsenal and Manchester City did.

At a club that in recent seasons has often looked as much like a business operation as a football side, plenty of focus remains on the final eight days of the transfer window. Chelsea’s group of sporting directors are busy trying to secure loan moves for several players who are either not seen as part of the club’s long-term plans or simply require more minutes than Alonso can offer them.

Others are available for sale because they are no longer required. For clubs during the opening weeks of a season, while the window is still open, priorities are always split in two. That is every bit as true for Chelsea as it is for anyone else in the league.

Before anything else, however, Chelsea simply have to begin well. At Craven Cottage, they must set down a marker, must do on opening night what Arsenal and Manchester City managed, and must avoid a limp start.

A draw in a London derby against Crystal Palace on the opening day last year helped shape a season in which Chelsea lost two head coaches, needed two separate spells under the same caretaker and ended up finishing tenth. A win over Fulham would send a huge surge of confidence through a club desperate for the many decisions taken this summer to prove worthwhile in the weeks and months ahead.