Lazio are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso, with manager Maurizio Sarri keen on a reunion with the Spaniard.
According to a report from Fichajes, Chelsea full-back Marcos Alonso has emerged as a transfer target for Serie A giants Lazio, with manager Maurizio Sarri requesting his signing for the summer of 2022.
Alonso arrived at Chelsea in the summer of 2016 and soon became the first-choice left-back at Stamford Bridge, helping the club to the Premier League title and the FA Cup victory in his first two seasons under then-manager Antonio Conte. He was also a regular under Sarri during the 2018/19 campaign when the Blues went on to win the UEFA Europa League.
However, Alonso’s game-time took a hit once Frank Lampard took over the reins of the club. The Blues legend used Cesar Azpilicueta in the position in his first season in charge before splashing the big bucks to sign Ben Chilwell in the summer last year. The Spaniard was frozen out by the ex-England international in the previous season but was handed a second lease on life by Thomas Tuchel, who replaced Lampard.
Since the German tactician took over the reins, Alonso has looked like a much-improved player and even started the new season as the first-choice left wing-back ahead of Chilwell. The 30-year-old has 14 appearances to his name this term, contributing with a solitary goal and assist apiece.
But the Spanish international will be entering the final year of his contract at the end of the ongoing campaign, and Lazio are hoping to capitalise on it by making a swoop for him in the summer transfer window. The Biancocelesti’s interest in Alonso is chiefly being driven by manager Sarri, who is keen on reuniting with his former player as he looks to build a team capable of challenging for the title.
The fact that Alonso has experience of playing in Serie A, having had a stint with Fiorentina, also makes him an appealing target for the Italian capital outfit. However, considering that the 30-year-old has become an important part of the team at Stamford Bridge under Tuchel, Chelsea may be reluctant to let him go unless they bring in a new left-back in the summer window.
Alonso is not the only Chelsea star Sarri is considering signing, with goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga also on the radars of the Italian tactician. It will be interesting to see if the Spanish duo ends up reuniting with their former manager in the Italian capital in the new year.
