Thomas Tuchel is keen for Marcos Alonso to remain at Chelsea, despite reports linking him with a move to Barcelona.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Tuchel is a big admirer of the Spaniard and wants to hold onto his services for another season.
Barca are said to be interested in acquiring the defender as they look to rebuild their squad again.
The La Liga giants could be about to lose Junior Firpo, with Leeds United targeting the left-back, meaning a defensive replacement would be needed.
Alonso is now apparently being tracked by the Camp Nou hierarchy.
Potentially moving back to his native country would conclude half a decade since he signed from Fiorentina for £24m (Sky Sports).
However, Barca might be met by a very stubborn Tuchel.
Chelsea’s boss sees him as a valuable, versatile player, that can be fielded at wing-back or as a centre-half.
“Marcos is an intelligent and calm guy, full of self-confidence but he’s well aware of what he can do and what he cannot do,” said the German coach, as covered by the club website.
He juggled Alonso and Ben Chilwell as his left-sided wing-back, with the former preferenced for a short run of games.
Yet, sometimes the sale of players is not down to the manager.
If Chelsea are committed to signing Erling Haaland, they will need funds to source the mega transfer.
Unfortunately for Alonso, he could be one of the fall guys.
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