Xabi Alonso wants to sign former Manchester United defender to replace Marc Cucurella
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Real Madrid’s signing of Marc Cucurella could already trigger another transfer involving a player with Manchester United connections, according to reports from Spain.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that Manchester United had been monitoring Cucurella as they explored options at left-back ahead of the summer transfer window.
However, Real Madrid moved quickly to secure the Spain international, officially completing his arrival from Chelsea as Jose Mourinho continues to reshape his squad.
Now, another left-back could be heading in the opposite direction.
According to Diario AS, Chelsea have added Alvaro Carreras to their shortlist as they look for a replacement following Cucurella’s departure.
The report claims the Premier League side have made an exploratory approach to assess both the player’s availability and a potential transfer fee.
New Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso is also said to be a strong admirer of the defender.
Carreras will be a familiar name to Manchester United supporters.
The Spanish defender joined United’s academy from Real Madrid as a youngster and later represented the club’s Under-21 side before gaining experience on loan at Preston North End.
Although he never made a senior appearance for United, he was highly rated during his time in Manchester before eventually moving elsewhere in search of first-team opportunities.
Real Madrid only signed Carreras last summer in a deal reportedly worth around €50 million, but Diario AS suggests the 23-year-old is not considered untouchable despite arriving less than a year ago.
The Spanish giants now have several options on the left side of defence following the arrival of Cucurella, creating uncertainty over Carreras’ long-term future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
AS reports that Mourinho views Carreras as competition for Marc Cucurella, although the club would still be open to discussions should a suitable offer arrive.
Chelsea are therefore monitoring the situation closely as they search for reinforcements ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Whether the London club formally follows up its interest remains to be seen, but Carreras is now emerging as a potential target after Cucurella’s high-profile switch to Madrid.
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