30-year-old Chelsea star wanted by Barcelona after failed January swoop

Barcelona interested in Chelsea ace Marcos Alonso after failed January move

According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Football.london), La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are lining up a summer move for Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso after a failed attempt in January.

Alonso arrived at Chelsea in the summer of 2016, on the transfer deadline day from Serie A outfit Fiorentina. The former Real Madrid trainee became a key member of the team that tasted success under then-manager Antonio Conte. However, he has had mixed fortunes under the Italian’s successors following his departure in 2018.

Alonso had to share game-time with Emerson Palmieri under Maurizio Sarri and while he featured a fair bit early on under Frank Lampard, he completely fell out of favour under the Blues’ legend last year and was frozen about. Brought back into the fold by Thomas Tuchel, Alonso still found himself behind Ben Chilwell in the pecking order at the Bridge.

Alonso ended the 2020/21 season with Chelsea with just 17 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals in the process – one of which was a crucial winner in a Premier League encounter against Manchester City.

Nonetheless, the 30-year-old could be looking for a way out this summer in search of regular playing time, even though he still has two years on his contract. And, as per the report, Barcelona could be willing to offer him an escape route this summer.

The report claims that the Catalan giants had eyed a move for Alonso back in January earlier this year and had even agreed terms over a loan deal till the end of the season. However, their failure to move Junior Firpo on from the club led to their attempts to land Alonso failing.

More Chelsea News:

• Transfer News: Chelsea setback in Alexander Isak pursuit
• Real Madrid to reject swap deal for Raphael Varane from Chelsea
• Transfer News: Timo Werner’s agent keeps the door open for Bayern Munich move

Barcelona are now rekindling their interest in Alonso and are hoping to see success in their pursuit of the Spaniard at a second attempt. As for Chelsea, they do have Emerson Palmieri as cover for Chilwell should Alonso depart. However, the Italian himself has been linked with an exit. (h/t Football.london)

And, in case both the left-backs end up leaving Tuchel may well be forced into the market for a new player in the position.