Chelsea star emerges as a target for Barcelona

Chelsea’s dismal run of form continued on Sunday as they were beaten 1-0 by relegation-threatened Everton at Goodison Park. 

The Blues arrived on Merseyside having won just two of their last five matches in the league, but an uninspiring performance means Thomas Tuchel’s side are now firmly back in a top four battle after a 1-0 defeat to the Toffees.

Chelsea looked certain to have secured a place in next season’s Champions League a few weeks ago, but a poor run of results has seen them hauled back into a battle with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

Tuchel’s defensive record since arriving in London has been crucial to much of their success, however the Blues’ record of late has been far below par.

They have kept just seven clean sheets in their last 22 Premier League games, and it appears that they could field a very different backline for the first game of next season.

While Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva have penned one-year contract extensions to avoid leaving as a free agent this summer, both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are still expected to depart at the end of the season.

The pair have reportedly agreed to join Spanish sides Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.

Marcos Alonso has also been linked with a move away from the capital, and it appears that he is intent on returning to his native Spain.

Marcos Alonso’s time in the capital could be coming to an end

As per Fabrizio Romano via Marca, the Spaniard is keen on the prospect of returning to his homeland, and Barcelona are believed to be interested in the player.

The 31-year-old ex-Sunderland man has divided opinion since returning to England in 2016, with his defensive performances sometimes leaving a lot to be desired.

Offensively, though, the 31-year-old has been exceptional, scoring 24 goals and providing 18 assists in 151 Premier League games for the Blues.

Chelsea aren’t believed to have any intention of selling Alonso, but the player’s desire is very much to return to Spain and Barcelona have identified him as a candidate as they search for a left-back.

Romano claims that Alonso is one of three of four players that the Spanish side have considered a move for, and also suggests that the La Liga side have already initiated contact with the Premier League club over a possible move.

Barcelona are believed to be aware of the approximate cost of agreeing a deal, but believe Alonso could provide competition for first-choice left-back Jordi Alba.

Alonso has endured a successful spell with Chelsea, winning six trophies with the club including the Premier League, Champions League and Europa League.