Barcelona are reportedly in for Chelsea full-back Marcos Alonso after the Blues wrapped up a deal for Brighton star Marc Cucurella.
Cucurella finally joined the west Londoners on Friday, ending weeks of speculation about his future on the south coast. Manchester City had appeared to be his most likely destination until Chelsea swooped in to sign him in a £63million deal.
The Spaniard's arrival at Stamford Bridge means Thomas Tuchel now has three first-choice left-backs to choose from, with Marcos Alonso and Ben Chilwell also vying for the same position. But that might not be the case for too much longer.
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According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Alonso is close to agreeing a move to Barcelona. He said: "Barcelona are really close to signing Marcos Alonso! Talks are progressing well with Chelsea after Cucurella deal completed, personal terms agreed months ago. Been told it's now really close. FCB Parties waiting for Tuchel's green light but now finally confident."
Alonso is one of Chelsea's longest-serving players having joined the club from Fiorentina in 2016. Despite a previous unremarkable spell at Bolton, he has grown to become one of the Premier League's most consistent left-backs.
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The 31-year-old has made 212 appearances for the Blues in all competitions, including 46 last season alone. But Alonso could now be set for pastures new with Barcelona closing in on his signature.
He is understood to be the Spanish club's number one target as they continue to refresh their squad under Xavi's leadership. The 42-year-old has already overseen a number of significant arrivals, including Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich and Raphinha from Leeds United.
But Alonso would provide some much-needed competition at left-back for Jordi Alba, who at 33, isn't getting any younger. Barcelona will be hoping to wrap up a deal before their La Liga season kicks off against Rayo Vallecano on August 13.
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