Chelsea outcast eyed by Barca amid ambitious raid for second Blues star
Barcelona are keen on striking a deal to sign Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso amid his continued struggle for match action, according to a report.
Alonso moved to Stamford Bridge under Antonio Conte’s stewardship and hence played a key role for the Italian.
Conte’s successor, Maurizio Sarri, also made the Spaniard part of his plans in his sole season with the Blues.
However, signing a new left-back was one of Frank Lampard‘s main tasks upon taking the job. Indeed, he brought in Ben Chilwell last summer in a deal worth around £50million.
As such, speculation has continued for some months that Alonso is surplus to requirements. His statistics this term prove that, the 30-year-old making only three appearances in all competitions.
Atletico Madrid supposedly entertained interest, but according to Todofichajes, Barcelona are now in the running.
Barca boss Ronald Koeman and his superiors have agreed that bringing Alonso in would be a solid idea.
The Spanish giants want a loan-to-buy deal, although it is unclear if this would be from this month’s transfer window or held back until the summer.
What is clear, though, is that Chelsea are willing to agree to such a deal. Alonso’s contract expires in the summer of 2023 but Chelsea are willing to cut him loose in the coming months.
Thomas Tuchel has succeeded Lampard in the dugout, but his plans for each player in his new team remain an area of doubt.
Second Chelsea star wanted in Spain
Meanwhile, further reports claim that Real Madrid are plotting a deal to bring Mason Mount to the Spanish capital.
Mount became one of Lampard’s most trusted players during the Englishman’s reign. What’s more, Tuchel has supposedly promised the 22-year-old a role.
However, Don Balon claims that, as well as N’Golo Kante, Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane sees Mount as an ideal signing.
Tuchel reportedly faces a battle to convince Kante to stay. The France international feels unsettled at the recent managerial changes at Stamford Bridge.