Why Chelsea should keep hold of Marcos Alonso amidst interest

As per Sky Sports Italia (h/t Daily Mail), Inter Milan are interested in signing Chelsea star Marcos Alonso ahead of the new campaign.

The report suggests that Inter boss Antonio Conte is determined to reunite with the Spanish left-back and is looking to sign him from Chelsea. Alonso has three more years left on his £100,000-a-week contract with the Blues and his future remains uncertain.

Profile

Born in Spain, Alonso came through the ranks of Real Madrid. He joined Bolton Wanderers in the summer of 2010 and three years later, moved to Fiorentina on a free transfer. He was able to revive his career with the Italian outfit and after impressing in Serie A, Chelsea snapped him up in August 2016.

He immediately established himself as a key member of the squad and was successful during Conte’s time as the Blues’ manager. The Spaniard helped Chelsea lift the league title, the FA Cup, and the Europa League title all once.

However, since Frank Lampard took charge, he has seen limited game time and has fallen down the pecking order. Alonso has made nearly 150 appearances for the Blues to date.

Alonso could help Chelsea maintain their depth at the back

Lampard has had a tremendous time in the transfer window this summer, having brought in several top players. And one of them is left-back Ben Chilwell. It is clear that the former Leicester City man would be the first choice this season.

However, keeping hold of Alonso would do them a world of good. Italian international Emerson Palmieri was rarely used by Lampard last season and is also on the fringes.

The Blues also have Abdul Rahman Baba, who returned after spending the last season on loan with Mallorca. But the Ghanaian is set to remain on the sidelines due to an ankle injury. Thus, with limited options, it is necessary to keep hold of Alonso beyond this summer.

The 29-year-old struggled earlier in the last season but he managed to come back and start regularly towards the end of the season. He managed to rack up 4 goals and 3 assist in just 18 league games last season and the manager should consider him in case Chilwell gets injured or needs a rest.

Keeping hold of Alonso would also help the Blues maintain their depth on the left side of the defence and his experience could also come in handy for the club.

Read more

• Why Chelsea should offload Tiemoue Bakayoko amid AC Milan interest
• Why Gianluigi Donnarumma could be a great signing for Chelsea

Verdict

At 29, Alonso still has some years left to play at the top level and he could be a useful player for the Blues this season if he is able to do well. With limited options at the back, Chelsea should consider keeping hold of the Spaniard. Thus, they should block any exit for him this summer.