Marcos Alonso has been given permission to miss Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Everton amid interest from Barcelona, according to reports.
The wing-back has been heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer, with Barcelona said to be the most interested side in the Spaniard.
It has been reported that the Blues defender was getting closer to a move to Barcelona this summer, awaiting the green light from Thomas Tuchel.
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With Marc Cucurella announced as a new Chelsea signing, and available to play against Everton, this could pave the way for Alonso to depart the club.
Alonso had previously admitted that he dreams of playing in La Liga as a graduate of the Real Madrid academy.
The Spaniard remained professional, refusing to complain about his situation in London despite the interest from elsewhere and his intent to return to Spain.
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He said: “On paper, I have a contract for one more year and that is where we’re at today. I’ve already said that I would like to play in Spain again, but it doesn’t depend entirely on me.
"I can’t complain about anything at Chelsea, but the desire to play in Spain is there.
"It doesn’t depend entirely on me and I’m happy at Chelsea, honestly.”
Alonso appears to finally be getting his move away, with the latest reports stating that the defender will not feature in the first game of the season.
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As reported by Relevo, Alonso has now been given permission to not play for Chelsea against Everton on Saturday.
This comes after Barcelona were said to be closing in on the transfer, with Fabrizio Romano stating that the clubs are finalising an agreement and the fee will be less than €10 million.
Tuchel dropped a huge hint regarding new signing Cucurella, with the 24-year-old registered in time to be in the squad against Everton on the opening day.
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The German stated that the depth provided by Cucurella will take the pressure off Chilwell.
He said: “Yeah. Absolutely it helps in depth and especially for Ben to escape the pressure of ‘I have to deliver. We need you absolutely now’.
“We have, of course, also in this position Marcos Alonso, Kenedy and Emerson. Hopefully when things go through, Marc is the option in this position and he (Cucurella) can play very well in the back three. It’s a profile of Azpi, with the left foot. He gives us many options.”
It remains to be seen as to whether the wing-back will make his debut against Everton or whether Chilwell will be selected, with Alonso looking to miss the clash.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Marcos Alonso, Everton, Premier League, Barcelona, Football
Nick Emms