Chelsea risk complete depletion after transfer update for tempted star Tuchel is relying on

Marcos Alonso remains a top target for Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone, despite it being questionable as to whether Chelsea would sanction a transfer.

Chelsea are currently facing a shortage of players in the full-back positions. Alonso is their only natural fit on the left-hand side at present due to Ben Chilwell’s ACL injury. They have been trying to recall Emerson Palmieri from a loan spell at Lyon, but are struggling.

Therefore, the Blues continue to be linked with signing new left-backs in January. But now a further complication has arisen in the shape of Atletico chasing Alonso.

According to Marca, Simeone still dreams of signing the Spaniard, whom he wanted at Atletico three years ago. Back then, the La Liga giants opted to sign Renan Lodi instead.

Now, Simeone is hoping to lure Alonso back to his hometown. The Atletico boss still feels a need to strengthen at left-back and Alonso has the traits he desires.

Marca (whose report is adapted by Sport Witness) claim a transfer is back on the agenda, then. Although whether that would appeal to Chelsea is debatable.

Alonso lost his place as a starter after Chilwell signed, but they are relying on him now until they can recover the Englishman’s services or sign another reinforcement.

But the 31-year-old may be keen to make the move to Madrid. According to Marca, he would welcome the chance to play in La Liga.

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Alonso came through the academy ranks at Real Madrid before making one La Liga appearance in 2010. He has never played in the competition since after spending his club career between England and Italy.

Spanish return appealing to Alonso?

Recent reports claimed he was keen to explore a future away from Chelsea to boost his chances of representing Spain at the 2022 World Cup. Alonso has five international caps to his name after debuting in 2018, including two last year.

He may now have hopes of playing club football in his homeland, rather than just representing their national team. And Atletico see him as a perfect fit.

It is not yet clear if they will make a formal move, or how much they may offer. But if anything happens between now and the end of the month, it would heighten Chelsea’s dilemmas.

Atletico have Marcos Alonso alternatives

However, in an update that may allay any fears Chelsea have of losing Alonso, AS claim Atletico are also looking at Reinildo of Lille.

As cited by Football Espana, the report claims there have been discussions between the Spanish and French champions over his transfer.

Reinildo is out of contract with Lille in the summer. So he could be available for a cut-price fee.

AS also list the versatile Daniel Wass of Valencia as a priority option for Atletico.

However, the Mattress Makers are also long-term admirers of Alonso, as Marca remind. Therefore, his future at Chelsea will still be in question unless Atleti sign one of the other options.

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