Transfer window: Chelsea ‘offered’ Barcelona Marcos Alonso swap deal

Thomas Tuchel will reportedly be given the ‘final say’ on the future of Marcos Alonso, as Barcelona prepare a swap deal for the left wing-back.

Alonso played 46 times for Chelsea in the most recent campaign, helping the Blues to win the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. He managed five goals and six assists as Chelsea also reached the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals, only to lose to Liverpool on both occasions.

Alonso became more important after the injury to fellow left wing-back Ben Chilwell. The Englishman began the season as Tuchel’s first choice in the position before picking up an ACL injury. He is now back in first-team training and hoping to get a full pre-season.

Alonso, a nine-cap Spain international, has a contract at Stamford Bridge which lasts until June 2023. But according to Fabrizio Romano, he is hoping to go back to his home country this summer.

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The defender hasn’t played in Spain since swapping Real Madrid Castilla for Bolton in July 2010. He has had spells at Fiorentina, Sunderland and Chelsea since then.

While on international duty, Alonso hinted his desire is to go back to Spain sooner rather than later.

He said (via Sports Mole): “On paper I have one more year of contract and that is what there is until today.

“I’ve already said other times that I would like to [return to Spain] but it doesn’t depend entirely on me. There are two games left here [with Spain] and then it’s time to rest.”

Alonso is on Barcelona’s wish list and 90Min provide an update on the links. Their report focuses on Cesar Azpilicueta, who is also a target for Barcelona, but does give some insight on Alonso’s future.

Chelsea officials are willing to let Alonso go to the Nou Camp as that is clearly his wish. And the 31-year-old’s replacement will be Emerson Palmieri.

But Tuchel will be given the ‘final say’ on proceedings. This is to ensure the German coach is happy with his squad.

Tuchel could decide to keep Alonso and let Emerson go as the former is a proven performer in a Chelsea shirt.

Despite this, the report reveals Barca’s plan for snaring Alonso from the Blues. They are aware of Chelsea’s admiration for Sergino Dest and are now coming up with a potential swap deal.

The USA international, who can operate as a wing-back on either flank, is low in Xavi’s pecking order and is therefore eligible for transfer.

Barca will let him go to West London if they get Alonso, as well as some money, in return.

Dest is only 21 years old, which means he could provide Chelsea with plenty of years of service. The same cannot be said for Alonso, who will soon enter the twilight years of his career.

Dest’s ability to operate as an understudy to Reece James on the right, or play on the left, could make him a clever signing for Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Sevilla are reportedly angry at Jules Kounde for putting his Chelsea move in jeopardy.