Real Madrid are eyeing a shock move for Marcos Alonso before the European transfer window closes, as Julen Lopetegui prioritises a left-back signing.
Real Madrid have had a mixed bag summer transfer window, without their usual big signing. Don Balon are now reporting that the Champions League holders might make a late splurge to sign Marcos Alonso from Chelsea in a bid to improve on a problem area the club have recognised in the last few days.
Madrid’s summer business has been in the news for the wrong reasons. An uncharacteristic summer window which started with the strange signing of manager Julen Lopetegui who then faced the sack as Spain’s manager on the eve of the Fifa World Cup 2018.
The doom continued as right after the summer tournament in Russia, somewhat surprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo departed for Juventus, and despite big calls to replace the prolific frontman, Florentino Perez hasn’t managed to sign a big signing, although Real Madrid have been linked with PSG pair Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.
With only days remaining before the European transfer window slams shut, Real Madrid are in an optimistic mood to land a star name to their squad. This name might be Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso, and the Madrid club are thought to be preparing a £60 million offer for the Spaniard.
But with the English window already shut, Chelsea are expected to refuse any deal from Real Madrid for Alonso, for the Blues cannot find a replacement of the same mould before January. On the other hand, Alonso is also a critical member of Maurizio Sarri’s side, so there is no reason why Chelsea would want to let go of the left-back, especially at this time of the season.
New Real Madrid manager, Julen Lopetegui is the person who has made the request to Florentino Perez regarding signing a left-back. The problem at Madrid is that Marcelo is their primary choice for left-back and he does not have any quality cover by his side. Also, Lopetegui noted of some defensive lapses from the Brazilian and felt the club should prioritise a new left-back.
Then again, the report suggests that, even though Chelsea might want to reject the idea of losing Alonso, their heads could well be turned to the tune of £60 million, something Madrid are willing to offer. The price would more than double Chelsea’s initial investment of £23 million on the 27-year-old.
It could just be wishful thinking from Julen Lopetegui and Real Madrid or this could just be a passing rumour. On the other hand, why would Alonso would want to go to Real Madrid to be a second choice left-back to the ‘undroppable’ Marcelo and leave his well established place in this Chelsea set up?
