Catalan giants Barcelona are reportedly edging closer to securing the services of Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso before the summer transfer window shuts down.
According to reputed Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, as relayed by Barca Universal, Marcos Alonso is closing in on ending his stint with Chelsea before the summer transfer window shuts down. The Spanish defender will finally complete his desired move to Barcelona ahead of Thursday’s deadline.
Marcos Alonso has been with Chelsea for nearly six years but has never managed to win over the Blues’ entire fanbase due to his tendency to blow hot and cold. The 31-year-old made over 200 appearances for Chelsea while amassing 29 goals and 23 assists in the last six seasons.
But the Spanish international faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge after entering the final year of his contract at the west London club. And Alonso has long been eager to return to Spain for his career’s next phase, with Barcelona his preferred destination.
Recent reports had claimed that Barcelona had cooled interest in Alonso amid difficulties in getting a deal over the line. But the Catalan giants have not given up yet, with the Chelsea defender still featuring prominently on their wishlist. And with Jordi Alba regressing considerably, Alonso is a viable target for Barcelona.
Reports have claimed that Xavi Hernandez will utilise Alejandro Balde as the first-choice left-back in the 2022/23 season, with Alba dropping down the pecking order. Widespread rumours also suggest that Barcelona might not have any qualms about offloading Alba or leaving him as the third-choice left-back if a departure does not materialise.
Meanwhile, Joan Laporta had contacted Alonso to reassure him that Barcelona will sign him from Chelsea before Thursday’s transfer deadline. And according to Gerard Romero (h/t Barca Universal), the Spanish defender is on the verge of realising his desire to join Barcelona before the summer window shuts down.
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So it looks like Chelsea and Barcelona have finalised the transfer fee, with Alonso on the cusp of ending his stint at the west London club to return to Spain. It will be interesting to see how Alonso fares at Camp Nou upon completing a move to the Catalan outfit.
