Barcelona are in the market for a new left-back in the upcoming summer transfer window.
It appears Xavi Hernandez wants to sign a new deputy for Jordi Alba, who can initially serve as the backup for the Spaniard before eventually replacing him in the years to come.
The Catalans have been linked with a move for a multitude of left-backs through Europe, including Angelino, Alex Moreno, Nicolas Tagliafico and Jose Gaya, among many others.
Fabrizio Romano has now offered an update on Barcelona’s pursuit of a new left-back, shedding light on the club’s interest in Marcos Alonso.
The reliable transfer expert suggests the Chelsea star is one of three or four options Barca are targeting in the coming summer. The Catalans are well informed on Alonso’s situation, with the Spaniard’s current deal at Stamford Bridge expiring at the end of next season.
According to reports in Spain, Chelsea’s defensive pair Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso are both keen on a move to Barcelona this summer.
Jordi Alba is currently untouchable in that position, but he’s ageing, and the club would like to add competition to the squad. There are three or four names on the list, and among them is Marcos Alonso.
The Madrid-born defender is the latest name to come out after Javi Galan and Alejandro Grimaldo, while Jose Gaya has also been a long-term target.
Alonso, 31, has a contract with Chelsea until 2023. His market value is around 15 million euros, and this season he has played 3,190 minutes across 41 games, scoring four goals and setting up five.
Centre-backs Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are already set to depart on free transfers – with the former in line for a move to Real Madrid and the latter also reportedly signing for Barcelona.
So if Azpilicueta and Alonso follow them out the door, that will mean Tuchel will need a new left-back, three centre-backs, as well as cover for a right-back, given Azpilicueta’s ability to play there.
Since taking over this season, Barca boss Xavi has already conducted a vast revamp of his squad – signing the likes of Adama Traore, Dani Alves, Ferran Torres, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
“More on Marcos Alonso. He is respectful to Chelsea, but his priority is to return to Spain this summer,” Fabrizio Romano posted on Twitter.
“Barcelona have already initiated direct contacts to know the intentions and the possible price. He is a serious candidate among the 3/4 options for Barcelona’s new left-back.”
A move for Marcos Alonso would be one of the most difficult among the candidates, and it would also be relatively expensive, which further complicates his potential arrival at Camp Nou. Nevertheless, the 31-year-old is one of those on the table for Barcelona.
