Chelsea are reportedly exploring a deal for Real Madrid star Alvaro Carreras, who was previously on the books at Manchester United
Alvaro Carreras
Alvaro Carreras was previously at Man United and is being linked with a move to Chelsea(Image: SOPA Images, SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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Chelsea are reportedly eyeing a move for Real Madrid's Alvaro Carreras as they scout the left-back market, just two years after Manchester United sold the defender. The Londoners may need to bolster their defensive options following the imminent departure of Marc Cucurella, who is set to join the La Liga giants this summer.
It was confirmed on Monday that Cucurella will make a permanent move to Madrid, with the Spanish club revealing that the left-back has penned a six-year contract running until the summer of 2032.
A deal totalling £51.7million - comprising a £47.4m fixed fee plus £4.3m in add-ons - was struck between Chelsea and Madrid this week.
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With Cucurella's exit now confirmed, Chelsea are actively seeking a new left-back and reports have surfaced suggesting Carreras has emerged as a prime target.
Spanish outlet AS has reported that Chelsea are weighing up a potential move for Carreras, with the defender said to have been added to the Blues' shortlist of summer targets.
The report further suggests that Madrid are not entirely opposed to offloading Carreras this summer, with the defender himself remaining undecided about his future heading into next season.
United signed Carreras back in 2020 as a 17-year-old, with the defender going on to win the club's Under-23 player of the years award during the 2022/23 season.
The defender did not make a single competitive appearance for United before his move to Benfica in 2024, previously having loan spells with Preston North End and La Liga club Granada, as well as the Portuguese outfit before the move was made permanent.
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Madrid recently appointed Jose Mourinho as their new manager and have already set their sights on bringing in Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool, Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan and Bernardo Silva from Manchester City.
Incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is understood to be a keen admirer of Carreras, which is driving suggestions that a transfer to Stamford Bridge could materialise before the start of next season.
The 23-year-old is presently taking his summer holiday, after he was not given a spot in Spain's squad for this summer's World Cup, which is taking place across North America.
On Monday evening, Spain were held to a goalless stalemate with Cape Verde in their opening match, where Cucurella completed the entire 90 minutes at left-back for his nation.
Carreras, who has earned nine caps for Spain's Under-21 side, made 40 appearances for Madrid throughout his first campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu, including nine in the Champions League.