According to some reports in Spain, Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi wants Chelsea star Marcos Alonso at Camp Nou.
Alonso, a product of Real Madrid’s youth academy, has become one of Europe’s top left backs after a stellar 17 months under Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge. The Spaniard was a key figure in the Chelsea squad which won the Premier League title last season, impressing as a left-back in Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 formation.
Marcos Alonso has emerged as a potential target for Barcelona after impressing for Chelsea
Chelsea bought Alonso from Fiorentina in a £25million deal on transfer deadline day in the summer of 2016 in what was widely considered, at the time, to be something of a panic purchase. But since that, he has proved himself as the player without whom Conte’s Chelsea can’t do.
Alonso is the top-scoring defender in Europe’s top five leagues — and is now proving himself as one of the Premier League’s best ever goalscorers from the back. The Spaniard has continued on his superb form from last season, netting six goals and two assists in all competitions. And now according to Spanish publications Don Balon, Alonso is attracting interests from Barcelona. Don Balon reports that Messi is desperate for Camp Nou chiefs to sign a new left-back and Alonso is on his wishlist.
It is reported that the Argentine talisman has handed Barcelona a three-man shortlist, which includes the name of Chelsea star Marcos Alonso, Bayern Munich star David Alaba and Valencia ace Gaya. In January, Spanish outlet AS reported that the Catalans have been a long time admirer of David Alaba and are now expected to add him to their squad. Even Don Balon claimed that Alaba would cost Barça around £88 Million and the wing-back would be happy to seal a move away from the Bundesliga at the end of this campaign.
39 – With 7 goals and 3 assists, Marcos Alonso is the 39th Premier League player to register at least 10 goal involvements in all competitions this season, and the first defender to do so. Stepped.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 28, 2018
While on the other hand, Don Balon claims that Messi prefers Alonso over Alaba as he feels that the Spaniard would quickly adapt to the life in La Liga and would also provide Jordi Alba with a much-needed competition at Barcelona. Conte’s men will be back in action on Monday as they travel to Watford in the Premier League. A win for Conte’s men in this fixture would send them up to the third position in the league, three points behind Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils.
Author’s Take-
Marcos Alonso will surely be a good fit for Ernesto Valverde’s Barcelona. His marauding runs down the left flank will surely benefit Barcelona in scoring goals. Alonso’s style of football will surely see him fit well in Barcelona’s defense.
