Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso prioritises returning to Spain in the summer amid interest from Barcelona, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 31-year-old has played a prominent role at Chelsea this season after Ben Chilwell suffered a long-term injury that ruled him out for the rest of the season.
As a result, Alonso is now the only natural left wing-back in Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
Considering it remains unclear how long it will take for Chilwell to fully recover, keeping Alonso would seem the safest bet for Chelsea next season.
However, Chelsea will likely have to make a decision on whether to cash in the Spain international or risk losing him on a free transfer when his contract runs out in the summer of 2023.

Italian transfer expert Romano claims that while Alonso remains respectful to Chelsea, he would prefer to return to Spain this summer.
He is reportedly one of the few options being considered by Barcelona, whose board, according to Romano, has begun initiating direct contacts to explore intentions and potential prices.
Likely having to find replacements for Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, who are close to leaving the club on free transfers, Alonso’s potential departure would only add to Chelsea’s problems in the summer transfer window.
Obviously, Chelsea would not necessarily have to spend in the market for another left-back to solve the left-back issues.

Emerson Palmieri, who is currently on loan at Lyon, will return to London unless the French club activate the permanent option.
Chelsea also have an exciting young left-back in 20-year-old Ian Maatsen who is on loan at Coventry City.
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