How Marcos Alonso has helped Tottenham at Chelsea's expense

Updated: 28 Aug 2022 20:49 BST
3 min read

Marcos Alonso, Chelsea, 2021-22 — © ProShots

Marcos Alonso's decision to reject a move to Atletico Madrid has helped Chelsea's fiercest rivals Tottenham.

The Blues have wanted to sell Alonso all summer, with Barcelona the team most likely to sign him.

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The Spaniard agreed personal terms with the Catalan club weeks ago, but is waiting for them to sell players before he can join.

But Alonso received an alternative offer this week, from fellow La Liga side Atletico Madrid.

Indeed, Atleti head coach Diego Simeone called the left-back in an attempt to convince him to turn down Barcelona in favour of Los Colchoneros.

Alonso has his heart set on a move to Barca, however, which has since prompted Simeone to sign Sergio Reguilon from Tottenham instead.

Spurs boss Antonio Conte has wanted rid of Reguilon since the transfer window opened and now his wages are finally off the books, while Chelsea are still paying Alonso's

Alonso to leave Chelsea

The squad available to Thomas Tuchel is one of the more excessive in Europe, with three or more players in most positions.

Indeed, the likes of Ross Barkley, Ethan Ampadu and Kenedy remain part of Chelsea's first team, even though they have no chance of making the starting line up.

And the latest to join the list of players no longer wanted at Stamford Bridge is left-back Marcos Alonso.

🚨🎖| Diego Simeone called Marcos Alonso before signing Reguilon but the player said ‘NO’ because he’s waiting for Barcelona. Barça could give the green light for the transfer SOON. [@gerardromero] #fcblive pic.twitter.com/0deCmKykSY
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) August 28, 2022

The Spaniard has been a fantastic servant to Chelsea and was a key member of Antonio Conte's 2016-17 Premier League title-winning side.

However, his defensive flaws have been exposed since the Italian head coach's departure, especially in Ben Chilwell's absence last season.

And Chilwell returned from injury in time for the start of the 2022-23 season, but has been demoted to the bench by new signing Marc Cucurella, pushing Alonso down to third choice in the position.

So with just one year left on his deal, Barcelona's interest provides the perfect opportunity for The Blues to cash in on the 31-year-old while they still can.

Alonso has been a great signing for Chelsea, but it's time he moved on.