Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso is reportedly closing in on agreeing personal terms with Barcelona, with a summer exit looking likely.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona are inching closer to the capture of Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso in the summer transfer window. The Blues are open to selling the left-back, who is now close to reaching an agreement over personal terms with the Blaugrana.
Alonso joined Chelsea in the summer of 2016, arriving from Serie A side Fiorentina. The 31-year-old enjoyed regular game-time in his first two seasons at Stamford Bridge under Stamford Bridge. However, he has since had to share game-time with the likes of Emerson Palmieri, Cesar Azpilicueta and Ben Chilwell in recent seasons.
The injury to Chilwell in the ongoing campaign meant that Alonso played regularly, making 46 appearances in which he scored five times and registered six assists. However, with his contract expiring next year, the Spanish international has decided that the time is right for him to move on from Chelsea in the summer transfer window.
Alonso has made no secret of his desire to return to La Liga, and Barcelona have emerged as favourites to sign him, with the Catalans making him a priority target.
Barcelona are set to embark on a vital summer transfer window as they look to build a squad capable of toppling Real Madrid from the top in Spain and reasserting their superiority in Europe. A world-class striker is at the top of the shopping list for manager Xavi Hernandez, while a new left-back is also a necessity.
Barcelona have Jordi Alba as their only senior choice at left-back with no viable backup. Youngster Alejandro Balde is an option for the manager, but the teenager still has to develop in order to become a regular member of the senior setup. So, a new left-back is of paramount importance for the Blaugrana, especially with Alba entering the final phase of his career at 33.
Alonso, to that end, can be a solid signing due to his vast experience at the highest level of football. The 31-year-old might not represent a long-term solution for Barcelona but could be a good short-term fix before the club can find an heir for Alba.
Chelsea are open to selling Alonso in the summer, which will come as a boost for Barcelona. And as per Romano, the Spaniard is close to agreeing personal terms with the La Liga giants. However, the transfer expert mentions that the Blaugrana will not shell out a big fee for the Spaniard, given his contract expires next year. So, it will be interesting to see if the two clubs can settle on a transfer fee for Alonso.
