“Does not depend entirely on me”: Spanish full-back drops hints on Barcelona transfer

Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso has dropped a major hint that he is keen on signing for Barcelona this summer.

The Spanish international has been with Chelsea for six seasons now, having arrived on the summer transfer deadline day of 2016 from Fiorentina. He has had his ups and downs at Stamford Bridge but has been a largely reliable performer.

However, Alonso’s contract with the Blues stands to expire at the end of next season and the left-back has expressed his desire to move on from the club this summer.

Barcelona have presented themselves as Alonso’s next potential destination, with the Catalans needing to sign a new left-back to provide cover and competition for senior statesman Jordi Alba.

Reports in the past have indicated that Alonso already has agreed terms with Barça over a summer move. However, the club are yet to negotiate a fee with Chelsea.

And, speaking in an interview with Onda Cero (h/t Fabrizio Romano), Alonso has reiterated his desire to move on from the west London club this summer and return to Spain amidst the links with Barcelona.

“I have already said that I would like to return to Spain, but in the end it does not depend entirely on me. It’s clear that the desire to one day play in Spain is there,” Alonso said.

Chelsea have Ben Chilwell as their first-choice left-back with Alonso playing second-fiddle. And they might consider a sale, especially with the player making his stance clear, as long as they can secure a replacement for the 31-year-old Spanish international.

An attack-minded full-back with loads of experience at the top level, Alonso might not turn out to be a long-term solution but could be a handy fix for a short while before Barcelona can bring in the heir for Alba.