Long-time Chelsea fullback to depart the club this summer

Chelsea has undergone a plethora of changes over the last few years. Frank Lampard’s first season in charge under a transfer embargo gave the Blues the opportunity to hit the reset button and overhaul a sizable portion of their squad. They integrated a lot of youth talent, who spent a campaign under the wings of the veterans. The following summer, £200+ million in new players came through the door as much of the old guard waved goodbye to their beloved club. The latest sanctions imposed on Chelsea due to Roman Abramovich’s business dealings have provided a similar circumstance in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Players like Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and perhaps even Cesar Azpilicueta are set to depart following lengthy stints in west London. It goes without saying the Blues will have to replace them with players from the youth ranks, the loan army or the transfer window. However, the remolding—or remodeling, whichever you prefer—of the team to the liking of manager Thomas Tuchel could be far more drastic than the last revolution. In addition to the possibly three aforementioned defenders already on their ways out, a long-time veteran may be joining them.

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Marcos Alonso looks to be departing Chelsea this summer after six years

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has reported over the last few weeks that Barcelona is interested in Chelsea left back Marcos Alonso. The Spaniard seems to be resigned to the fact that his best chance at playing more games throughout the next few years is with another club. Romano has reported that Alonso is ready for his next challenge outside of the Premier League after losing his starting place to Ben Chilwell last season. La Liga is his preferred destination, which is a wonderful thing for all involved seeing as the Blaugrana are leading the race for his signature.

If Alonso does eventually depart for Catalonia, he could be the third player currently donning the Blues’ badge to make the switch to Barcelona next season. Christensen has already signed his deal with Xavi’s side and Azpilicueta is being courted by the Spanish giants, as well. Meanwhile, Rudiger will be joining Barcelona’s biggest rival, Real Madrid, once his contract expires at the end of the current campaign.

Alonso will have just 12 months remaining on his current deal at the conclusion of this exhausting season. Despite talks of his demise amongst the Chelsea fans, the wingback is actually enjoying one of his most prolific seasons in front of goal this year. He’s been a lifesaver at times for Tuchel as he’s stepped up big time during the long-term absence of Chilwell. Regardless, Alonso is nearing the age of 32 and the Blues have a history of only giving one-year deals to players who have already crossed the threshold.

The divisive left-sided defender has been worth his transfer cost and then some to Chelsea. The £24 million signing by Antonio Conte in 2016 has played a vital role in the team under a handful of managers. Alonso has won six different trophies during his time in west London, the only one missing from his collection being the Carabao Cup. If he is to leave this summer after six years with the Blues, he won’t leave a legend, but rather an inexplicable cult hero. Alonso is loved by a portion of a fanbase and despised by another. But one thing is true, he’s enjoyed the best years of his career with Chelsea and he’s greatly enjoyed his time with the club.

Alonso has played 208 games for the Blues during his six years, and he has the opportunity to appear in 213 total matches before the end of the season. He’s been a mainstay in the team in recent years, which will be hard to replace in the long run. Chelsea is not without options though. Tuchel can opt to dip his toes into the transfer pool, promote youngster Ian Maatsen to the first team or give more minutes to Malang Sarr as a wingback. Admittedly though, the latter two come with an uncertainty that was seldom present when Alonso took the pitch.

Do you think the Blues would be making the right choice in letting Alonso depart? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!