Marcos Alonso has been linked with a move to Inter Milan (Getty Images)
According to El Chiringuito (h/t Football.london), Atletico Madrid have been linked with a move for Chelsea outcast Marcos Alonso. The Spaniard has struggled for game time and could be on his way out. Atletico have proposed a loan deal for the defender. There is also interest from Inter Milan but Chelsea are not keen to let him go to Italy.
Antonio Conte brought Alonso to Chelsea and tried him at wing-back. The decision paid off tremendously as Alonso went on to become one of the most lethal defenders in the league. In 152 appearances for the Blues, he has scored 22 goals and assisted 18 (source – Transfermarkt).
It’s rather puzzling as to how such an important player for Chelsea is now on the fringes. It was under Frank Lampard that the wing-back started getting lesser game time. Alonso’s defensive fragilities as an orthodox full-back led to him becoming a bit-part player.
Over the summer, Chelsea spent a fortune on Ben Chilwell to bring him over from Leicester City. Since then, he has made the left-back spot his own. Emerson has only featured occasionally.
While there is enough depth in the position, that is not the reason Alonso finds himself on the fringes. What tipped things over was his falling out with Lampard (source – Football.london). Since then, he hasn’t featured even once for the Blues.
It is clear that the player might not feature for the club again. With Atletico Madrid showing interest, Chelsea should let the player leave. The Blues have enough players in that position and letting go of Alonso shouldn’t hurt the club much.
It would also benefit the player as he would get to return to his native country. Simeone has been deploying wing-backs this season, which would suit Alonso’s game. He could again flourish the way he once did and benefit the club as well. Chelsea should not try to make things difficult here.