Chelsea are edging closer to acquiring a defender after missing out on a number of key targets this summer, with the signing of Fiorentina fullback Marcos Alonso reported to be imminent.
With two days left in the transfer window, Chelsea are looking to wrap up the signing of Marcos Alonso from Fiorentina. For a majority of the transfer window, the Blues were linked with a number of defensive targets like Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, Roma’s Kostas Manolas, AC Milan’s Alessio Romagnoli and Juventus’ Leanardo Bonucci.
While those moves have not come to fruition, it was reported three days ago that Chelsea were in negotiations with Fiorentina for their 25-year-old left wing-back Marcos Alonso.
Now, according to MARCA, the Blues have given in to Fiorentina’s demands and are willing to pay the €25 million transfer fee requested by the Viola for the Spaniard. Though a centre-back was thought to be a top priority at Stamford Bridge, the purchase of a left-back would allow Cesar Azpilicueta to revert to his favoured right-back position, while Branislav Ivanovic can fill in as a centre-back if required.
Marcos Alonso has some experience in English football from his time at Bolton Wanderers and a loan spell at Sunderland. Since returning from the loan spell, he has gone on to become one of Fiorentina’s most important players and has matured into a quality fullback. The 25-year-old would be a much cheaper alternative to a lot of Chelsea’s other targets and would be Antonio Conte’s fourth signing of the season after Michy Batshuayi, N’golo Kante and Eduardo.
Loic Remy set for Crystal Palace loan
According to The Mirror, the Frenchman is set to join Christian Benteke at Selhurst Park after failing to make an impression during pre-season under Antonio Conte. With Diego Costa and Michy Batshuayi already present and youngster Dominic Solanke potentially staying at the club, chances for Remy would be limited. A loan spell with Alan Pardew might just be what he needs to get his Premier League career back on track.
The Frenchman played the role of an impact substitute superbly for Chelsea in their 2014/15 title win, stepping in for Diego Costa whenever required. Remy, despite the injuries, brings a lot of experience to the table after spending time at Nice, Marseille, QPR and Newcastle United.
Last season, the Eagles struggled to score, and Pardew seems to have addressed that problem by spending big money on signing Christian Benteke from Liverpool and now potentially acquiring Remy on loan from Chelsea. Last season, Palace only managed 39 goals in the Premier League — a worse record than every club with the exception of Aston Villa, who were relegated.
