Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso has, on Friday, provided a fresh insight into his future with the club, hinting that he has no intention of departing any time soon.
Spanish international Alonso has of course seen his name cast into the spotlight in his home country of late.
This comes amid suggestions that the 31-year-old has been identified as a potential summer target on the part of Xavi Hernandez and Barcelona, amid the club’s pursuit of reinforcements at left-back.
As per a report from Mundo Deportivo, whilst Jose Gaya of Valencia remains the Blaugrana’s first-choice to replace Jordi Alba, Alonso is viewed as a more than capable alternative.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – DECEMBER 18: Jordi Alba of FC Barcelona controls the ball whilst under pressure from Helibelton Palacios of Elche CF during the LaLiga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Elche CF at Camp Nou on December 18, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Such speculation, in turn, was put to Chelsea’s oft-criticised stopper himself on Friday afternoon.
Alonso, however, was quick to reiterate his desire to stay put at Stamford Bridge for at least the 18 months remaining on his current contract, with it having never been his ‘intention’ to seek out an exit:
Marcos Alonso after Barcelona links: “I have always had interest from other clubs but, to be honest, it was never my intention to leave Chelsea”, @NizaarKinsella reports. ? #CFC
“Why not [stay longer at Chelsea]? For me, I still have another year-and-a-half on my contract”. pic.twitter.com/CO6MXPSFnr
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 11, 2022
Kepa on the move?
Whilst one member of Thomas Tuchel’s squad in west London remains fully committed to the cause, though, it appears that another could well be on the move ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
The player in question? Kepa Arrizabalaga.
As per a number of reliable sources over the course of the last 24 hours, those in a position of power at Chelsea are very much ‘open’ to the prospect of Spanish shot-stopper Kepa being moved on in the summer.
This comes despite the former Athletic Club standout having thoroughly impressed of late, amid the AFCON-based absence of Blues first-choice Edouard Mendy.
Chelsea are open to a Kepa sale this summer even after his is bringing some of the best form of his Chelsea career. Here’s why: https://t.co/pT1KDUhSAQ #CFC
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) February 11, 2022
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