Marcos Alonso has reportedly popped up on the radar of Barcelona once again, with the Chelsea defender a January target for the Catalan giants.
According to Tribal Football, Marcos Alonso is the subject of interest from Barcelona over a move in the January transfer window. The Chelsea defender is viewed as a potential successor for Jordi Alba, with Xavi giving the green light to launch the offensive.
Marcos Alonso joined Chelsea from Fiorentina in the summer of 2016 and has since endured a roller-coaster of a ride at Stamford Bridge. The Spanish international has been in and out of the side, with his best run coming under the tutelage of Antonio Conte, who was the Chelsea manager when he joined the Blues.
Currently playing second-fiddle to Ben Chilwell, the 30-year-old has made 178 appearances for Chelsea, chipping in with 25 goals and 18 assists in the process. Despite his current status at the west London club, Alonso is regarded highly by one of his long-term suitors, Barcelona.
The interest from Barcelona is understandable, considering Jordi Alba is well into his thirties and showing signs of age catching up to him. Alejandro Balde was tipped to be his successor heading into the 2021/22 season, but the youngster is yet to establish a foothold in the first-team setup at Camp Nou.
As a result, Barcelona have been touted to be in the market for a left-back, with Jose Gaya being one of the options on their radar. And now, Alonso has emerged as the latest target for the left-back slot for the Blaugrana, with the Chelsea defender seen as a possible successor for Alba.
While Alonso might only be a short-term solution for Barcelona, his presence at the club could give Balde enough time to develop into the rightful first-choice left-back for years. And Barcelona boss Xavi has given the go-ahead to launch the offensive for the Chelsea defender, with a January bid on the cards.
That Alonso, who has also been linked with Inter Milan, is a boyhood Barcelona means despite his storied past with Real Madrid, he could be on his way to Camp Nou. However, with Thomas Tuchel having no other recognised option beyond the Spaniard and Chilwell for the left wing-back slot, it remains to be seen if Chelsea are open to selling the former this winter.
