Marcos Alonso looks set to leave Chelsea in the summer transfer window after entering 'advanced talks' with Barcelona, according to Fabrizio Romano. Reports claim that the 31-year-old wants to return to Spain, though a switch from Stamford Bridge to the Camp Nou relies on the two parties agreeing on a price tag.
The defender, who sees his contract in west London expires next summer, has featured 46 times for Thomas Tuchel's side this season, directly contributing to 11 goals. Though despite his threat in the opposition third, his defensive qualities have often been put under the microscope. Alonso was deemed at fault for the goal from James Maddison, and Thomas Tuchel was less than impressed with his defending.
All in all, he's somewhat impressed in Ben Chilwell's absence, though he hasn't quite reached the heights that his teammate enjoyed prior to a season-ending injury in November.
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With Alonso reportedly nearing an exit and returning loanee Ian Maatsen linked with a loan move to Borussia Dortmund, Tuchel will be keen to draft in an understudy who can deputise Chilwell upon his return to match fitness. And, coincidentally, Todd Boehly, who has agreed to a £4.25billion deal to buy Chelsea, is expected to 'push for A-list signings' to mark a new era at Stamford Bridge, according to the MailOnline.
So we, football.london, looked at three options that Chelsea can target in the upcoming transfer window.
Sergio Gomez - Jack of all trades
In January, the Blues took an interest in Anderlecht defender Sergio Gomez, according to TEAMtalk. The 21-year-old has impressed under Vincent Kompany, directly contributing towards 17 goals and assists from left-back in just 34 Jupiler Pro League games.
Gomez joined the Belgian side from Borussia Dortmund in the summer and has thrived since. At Anderlecht, he has enjoyed a healthy transition from a central midfielder into a left-back.
The Spain youth international's versatility, technical ability, and engine makes him the perfect signing for Tuchel, with Chelsea looking to trim their squad and arm themselves with the tools for a Premier League title push next season. As aforementioned, Gomez could fill in as a six or an eight if called upon.
Transfermarkt Price Tag - £9million
Yannick Carrasco - Attack is the best form of defence
In February, Chelsea discussed the prospect of bringing Atletico Madrid wide-man Yannick Carrasco to the club at the end of the season, as per Footmercato. The 28-year-old has seamlessly evolved from a forward into a wing-back in recent times, playing a crucial role in Diego Simeone's La Liga triumph last season.
Carrasco's ability to perform at the highest level in either role tables an attractive proposition for the west Londoners. The Belgium international would be the offensive-minded option. He'd likely expect plentiful first-team opportunities, which could prove an issue should Tuchel see Chilwell as the Blues' long-term left-back option.
CIES Football Observatory Price Tag - £42.3million
Ivan Perisic - Old but gold
Ivan Perisic has agreed to terms to join Chelsea in a Bosman transfer once his contract at Inter Milan expires in the coming weeks, according to Sports Mediaset. The report claims that a deal is subject to a medical, but the final formalities of the said agreement have not yet been signed off.
Sports Mediaset outline that the west Londoners are 'in the driving seat' to sign the Croatia international. It's believed that Perisic has been demanding a new three-year deal worth just under £100,000-per-week with Inter, but they've offered him a two-year deal worth around £65,000-per-week instead.
He's featured 34 times in the Serie A for the Italian giants this season, directly contributing to 14 goals. Perisic's impressive displays over the years have courted the interest of several top-flight Premier League sides in the past.
Perisic would be the most financially sensible option for Chelsea. Tactically, he would offer the best of both worlds, provide experience and likely comply with a deputy role to Chilwell and the front three.
