Chelsea should sell Marcos Alonso and Emerson this summer

Chelsea is almost certainly going to offload one left back this summer. However, there is a strong case for both to be given the boot as soon as possible.

It’s clear that neither Marcos Alonso or Emerson is Chelsea’s left back for the future. The only reason the former is still around is because the Blues couldn’t buy anyone last summer. Further, the emergence of Reece James has cluttered the Chelsea fullback situation heading into the summer.

Questions are now being asked as to who should stay and who should go as Chelsea possesses the ability to buy players once again the summer window opens. The Blues are reportedly in the market for a left back, so that means at least one has to depart the club. However, Chelsea should sell both players this summer for numerous reasons.

First and foremost, as previously stated, neither has a place in the Chelsea team. Lampard revealed his hand when he moved Cesar Azpilicueta to left back following James’ rise into the first team. Emerson hasn’t featured in a match since January 21 when the Blues drew 2-2 with Arsenal. He fell out of favor with Lampard after being a part of some of the squad’s worst results this season.

Alonso has seen a bit more action due to Lampard’s sporadic shift to a three-at-the-back formation in the occasional match this season. The fact remains, the Spaniard is a far better wing back than he is left back. He’s played a part in many big moments this season, but turns 30 later this year. He won’t want to spend the rest of his career warming the bench. Lampard has shown no signs of permanently sticking with a back three, so Alonso’s name is unlikely to be called too often.

Another reason both should be sold is because neither fits into Lampard’s system. Expanding on the previous paragraph, Alonso is too weak defensively to consistently start at left back for Chelsea. He often gets caught out of position or exposed by a versatile winger. His quickness has come into question seemingly as much as his defensive prowess. At this point, the Blues know what they’re getting with Alonso.

Emerson was brought to the club in hopes he could be everything Alonso isn’t. A low risk-high reward purchase, Emerson was viewed as Alex Sandro’s less talented Serie A counterpart. Emerson’s best spell came under Maurizio Sarri and for a bit, the Italian looked as if he could be the answer to Chelsea’s left back issues. Enter Lampard. Emerson got the nod, but a lack of defensive skills saw him dropped from the starting XI.

Emerson’s given all he can for Chelsea, but his one goal and five assists across 52 matches simply isn’t good enough. His production going forward is not enough to make up for his defensive incapabilities. Lampard’s very demanding of his fullbacks and simply put, neither Alonso or Emerson is defensively sound enough to survive.

Lastly, selling both Emerson and Alonso is good business. Emerson is a highly sought after player in Italy, attracting the likes of Napoli, Juventus and Inter. With three Italian giants—two of which are managed by Emerson’s former Chelsea gaffers—in the hunt for the 25-year-old, the Blues could entertain a bidding war. Chelsea may end up making a profit on Emerson, if the clubs come knocking during the transfer window.

On the other hand, Alonso turns 30 in December. His value has already begun to decrease significantly and will only drop further every week the Blues hang onto him. The Chelsea board is all about intelligent business in the transfer market, selling Alonso soon represents another opportunity to build on that reputation.

If the Blues do sell their two left backs, they still have tremendous depth. Assuming the club brings in another left back—someone like Leicester’s Ben Chilwell—Azpilicueta is a great asset to have. Lampard has his own Swiss Army Knife in the 29-year-old. The Spaniard can provide depth at both left and right back, being utilized as often as needed, slotting in as a starter whenever called upon.

The financial aftermath of COVID-19 is going to slow the transfer market, but with a war chest of funds, don’t expect Chelsea to sit idly by. The Blues could potentially be as active on the selling front as they will be on the buying front. Alonso and Emerson are just two of the names on the chopping block when the window opens.