Chelsea-linked Marcos Llorente already has an interesting connection to Xabi Alonso after previously naming the Blues boss as his football idol.
Chelsea are reportedly among several Premier League clubs monitoring the Atletico Madrid star as his contract approaches its final year.
TEAMtalk reports that Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are assessing Llorente’s situation ahead of 2027.
Atletico remain confident of agreeing fresh terms, so there is no suggestion a Chelsea move is currently advanced.
Marcos Llorente has Xabi Alonso connection
Llorente’s admiration for Alonso stretches back to his time in Real Madrid’s academy.
Speaking earlier in his career, the Spaniard identified Alonso as his footballing idol while outlining his ambition to succeed at the Bernabeu.
The Chelsea Chronicle has highlighted those comments following the latest reports linking Llorente with Stamford Bridge.
That connection is notable now Alonso is shaping Chelsea’s squad.
Llorente would also offer significant tactical versatility.
He has operated in central midfield, wide areas and at right-back during his Atletico career, making more than 300 appearances for the Spanish club since arriving from Real Madrid in 2019.
Chelsea’s interest is understood to centre partly on that flexibility as Alonso looks for players capable of covering multiple roles.
The Blues have already been linked with several midfield options, including Roma’s Manu Kone as they continue planning beyond the summer departure of Enzo Fernandez.
For now, Llorente remains an Atletico player and negotiations over a new contract are ongoing.
His previous admiration for Alonso nevertheless adds an intriguing subplot if Chelsea decide to turn their reported interest into something more concrete.
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