Chelsea face the prospect of losing one of their most important players this summer. The Blues are entering another transitional phase as Xabi Alonso takes the mantle following two sackings during the season just gone.
Most will be pleased with the Alonso appointment, but not all players are going to stick around to find out whether the Spaniard can turn things around. Ambitious players are likely to want to play European football and compete for titles, which seems unlikely at Stamford Bridge next season, and Marc Cucurella has been tipped to leave.
The Spaniard is reportedly the subject of interest from former club Barcelona, and he has previously admitted it would be difficult to turn down a return to Camp Nou. If Chelsea do not stand in his way, a worthy replacement will be needed for the hard-battling left-back, and here we take a look at some contenders.
3. Theo Hernandez
Chelsea could go after a senior option in Theo Hernandez, who has experience aplenty at the top level, both in Europe and for France. The 28-year-old is currently with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, but he is only under contract until 2028.
You would think that a big European offer would be enough to get Hernandez back to European football, and he is no doubt one of the most reliable left-backs in the game.
Like Cucurella, he can get forward, too, which makes him a good fit for this Chelsea side. Hernandez scored nine and assisted six from left-back in the Saudi league, and that sort of goal contribution is something Chelsea need to replace if Cucurella departs, with the Spaniard particularly good at getting into good crossing areas and delivering into the box.
It would be a surprise if Hernandez doesn't return to Europe in the next year or two, and Chelsea should consider moving to make him their starter on the left side should they lose Cucurella.
2. Nathaniel Brown
Brown is one of the best young left-backs in the game, and he would cost a big fee because of that. But at 22 years of age, there is no telling what the ceiling is for the Germany international who will be at the World Cup this summer.
He has been in excellent form for Eintracht Frankfurt, becoming a staple of their starting XI and making 42 appearances across all competitions. He scored four goals and six assists this season, so again, he is a good option to replace Cucurella, given his ability to get forward.
Brown has a long-term contract and would likely be a very expensive signing, but he does fit Chelsea's strategy, in terms of being young and having room to develop and grow, both in ability and value. There are few better replacements for Cucurella than Brown.
1. Alejandro Balde
In normal circumstances, there is no way Barcelona would allow Balde to leave, but if reports of them wanting Cucurella are true, then Hansi Flick has a numbers problem. Cucurella would surely be assured of being a starter, given he is unlikely to give up his starting role at the Bridge for a bench spot at Camp Nou.
That could mean Balde finds starts hardeer to come by, leaving him potentially available. Again, it would take a very big fee, given Balde is now one of the best left-backs in the world.
The 23-year-old made 42 appearances across all competitions, helping Barca to the league title.
He has an immense ability to get forward, offering elite speed, and while he can do more to add goals and assists to his game, he is only 23 years of age and has plenty of room to develop.
Whether Barca would allow him to leave, even if they did sign Cucurella, remains to be seen, but it's worth a shot if the latter does end up returning to Catalonia.
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