Marcos Alonso, Chelsea exit nears with transfer guru offering key update on Barcelona negotiations

Marcos Alonso will reportedly soon depart Chelsea for Barcelona, with the left-back now in advanced talks over a move to the Spanish giants.

Alonso has spent the last six seasons of his career with Chelsea. Indeed, the Spaniard has enjoyed a successful period with the Blues.

He has won the Champions League and the Premier League, as well as the FA Cup, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.

Despite the success, Alonso has been a fringe player for much of his time at Stamford Bridge. After making a combined 95 Premier League appearances in his first three seasons, he played just 31 league games in the next two seasons.

The signing of Ben Chilwell contributed to Alonso’s lack of minutes. The Spaniard did start the first six league games of this season, as he is competent playing as a wing-back, in Thomas Tuchel’s preferred system.

However, when Chilwell got up to speed, he usurped Alonso, and started each of the next six league games. Were it not for a long-term injury sustained by Chilwell in November, Alonso may have sat on the bench for much of the season.

It was recently revealed that Alonso could be heading for Barcelona in the summer. The Spaniard’s priority is apparently to leave Chelsea.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has reinforced those reports. He states that Alonso wants to return to Spain, and is in talks with Barcelona over personal terms.

That report also states that the price tag is yet to be confirmed.

Alonso only has one year left on his deal, so it is unlikely that the fee will be very high.

Chelsea can cope without Alonso

Should Alonso move on this summer, Chelsea should be able to cope fine without him. Chilwell played a few minutes in the last game of the season, and appears to have recovered from his injury.

As such, he should be fully fit by the start of next season, to fill the role that Alonso occupied for much of this term.

Furthermore, the report also states that Emerson Palmieri – on loan from Chelsea to Lyon – will not be staying at the French club.

With the Italian returning to his parent club, they will have another option for the left side of the defence, meaning for ample cover in case of injury.

READ MORE: Jorginho future latest: Agent reveals the number one priority and quashes Juventus rumours