Chelsea’s search for a replacement after Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid continues to centre on Álvaro Carreras. Reports from Spain insist Xabi Alonso has still not given up on bringing the left-back to Stamford Bridge.
Carreras has been linked with Chelsea for several weeks following Cucurella’s switch to the Santiago Bernabéu. In addition, fresh reports suggest Alonso remains personally determined to reunite with a player he trusted during his brief spell in charge of Real Madrid.
Sport reports the Chelsea manager has continued to push for the signing and made Carreras one of his priorities after taking charge in west London. According to the newspaper, the Blues have already tested Real Madrid’s resolve with an initial €25m (£21.7m) approach. However, that was immediately rejected.
The report adds Madrid are only prepared to consider offers from around the €50m (£43.4m) they paid Benfica for the defender last summer.
Transfer stance well defined
Bernabéu Digital backs up the claims that Alonso remains keen on the defender. It says the Chelsea boss has wanted Carreras “from the first moment” he arrived at Stamford Bridge.
The Spanish outlet goes a step further regarding Madrid’s valuation. It claims the Spanish giants could now demand as much as €60m (£52m) before agreeing to a sale.
While there is a gap between the two reported asking prices, both outlets agree Real Madrid have no intention of letting the 23-year-old leave cheaply. This is despite his mixed first season at the club.
Carreras began the campaign as an important player but gradually lost his place under José Mourinho after a dip in form. Even so, Madrid’s decision to sell Fran García has strengthened his chances of remaining in the squad. Even if Cucurella is now expected to be first choice, that remains unchanged.
Why Xabi Alonso wants him
Xabi Alonso’s persistence is perhaps no surprise given the role Carreras played under him at Real Madrid.
Sport explains the Chelsea manager kept faith with the defender throughout his time in charge. He even deployed him as a centre-back on occasions. In addition, he has remained convinced the Spaniard can develop into a top-level player.
The biggest challenge may not be agreeing a fee with Real Madrid, however. Both Sport and Bernabéu Digital state Carreras would currently prefer to stay at the Bernabéu despite slipping down the pecking order.
Alonso is therefore hoping the promise of regular football at Chelsea can change the player’s mind. But convincing Real Madrid to negotiate remains another significant obstacle. Either way, the Blues will continue their search for a new first-choice left-back.