Chelsea consider VfB Stuttgart’s Borna Sosa as a more “attainable” potential replacement for Marcos Alonso than Brighton’s Marc Cucurella, according to Football London.
The Blues are reportedly on the market for a new left-back amid Marcos Alonso’s potential departure this summer.
Recent reports suggest that the Spain international is keen on returning to Spain with Barcelona being the likely summer destination.
Obviously, Chelsea still have Ben Chilwell, who returned from a long-term Achilles injury in the final match of last season, as the first-choice left-back or left wing-back, so what they might need is a strong backup option.
Cucurella and Sosa seem to be on the list of potential candidates.
The former had a very good season with Brighton and is arguably a safer option given his already proving himself in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old, however, is close to joining Manchester City, according to The Athletic.
Rather than entering a potential bidding war for Cucurella, Chelsea could simply turn their attention to Sosa, whom according to Football London is seen as a “cheaper and more attainable” option.
Potential Alonso replacements at Chelsea
The Blues have reportedly watched the 24-year-old on several occasions last season and were impressed in the process.
Sosa led Stuttgart’s playmaking charts with eight assists last season, playing as a left wing-back and a left fullback.
Football London added that Chelsea will likely step up their interest in the Croatia international if Alonso leaves the club as many expect.
The former Dinamo Zagreb star, however, is under contract until 2025 with Stuttgart.
Thomas Tuchel will also have a couple of other options to consider during the pre-season in two returning loanees; Emerson Palmieri and Ian Maatsen.
Emerson, who spent last season on loan at Lyon, is an experienced left-back whose professionalism is admired by Tuchel, but Chelsea could also decide to cash in on him with just two years left in his contract.
Maatsen, on the other hand, is an exciting young talent who spent last season mostly as a left wing-back in a back three at Championship side Coventry City on loan.
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