According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona are currently lining up Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso as a candidate to fill the left-back position. Alonso is one of a number of Chelsea defenders that Barcelona have targeted in recent months as the La Liga side were previously linked with moves for Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen. Romano does mention that Alonso is one of a number of players that Barcelona are eyeing up for the position. Unlike Barcelona’s previous targets, Alonso isn’t out of contract this summer as his deal expires in June 2023.
Barcelona Target Chelsea Defender for Left-Back Position
Well-travelled
Alonso initially rose through the ranks of the Real Madrid academy and made one appearance for the team before moving to Bolton Wanderers where an impressive season in the Championship earned him a move to Fiorentina. Alonso joined Chelsea in August of 2016 and has made 207 appearances for the club, mostly at left-back or left wing-back.
While Alonso has at times found himself out of favour with managers his solidity and versatility have kept him in and around the first team for most of his time with the club.
Solid Option
If Barcelona were to get Marcos Alonso they would be getting a very consistent player. Alonso may have fallen behind Ben Chilwell in the Chelsea pecking order but he was still a useful rotation option. Defensively, he isn’t likely to make massive mistakes, but the real quality of Alonso is his attacking flair including his free kick-taking abilities.
Whether this move happens or not is up in the air. Chelsea are already lacking depth on the left side of their defence with Ben Chilwell nursing an ACL injury. Unless they make a signing or two to replenish the depth at that spot they will need Alonso to continue starting at the left wing-back spot until Chilwell is fully healthy and ready to contribute again.
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