Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is targeting Real Madrid left-back Alvaro Carreras as the club looks to replace Marc Cucurella this summer.
Real Madrid signed Cucurella from Chelsea last month, taking away one of the Blues’ most reliable performers from last season.
Cucurella had established himself as an indispensable figure in Chelsea’s starting eleven before making the switch to the Spanish capital.
Mundo Deportivo has reported that Chelsea are keen on signing Carreras this summer specifically on Alonso’s request.
The situation carries a notable twist, as Alonso himself signed Carreras from Benfica just 12 months ago during his time managing Real Madrid.
Carreras is currently valued at £43 million on Transfermarkt, which gives a clear indication of the financial commitment Chelsea would need to make.
Real Madrid now have multiple left-back options following the Cucurella acquisition, though they did manage to offload Fran Garcia, who has joined Real Betis on a permanent deal.
Alvaro Carreras and Ferland Mendy remain at the club, but Mendy’s fitness over the last 18 months or so has been far from ideal, which was a key reason Madrid pursued Carreras in the first place.
Jose Mourinho might continue to count on Carreras as a back-up option behind Cucurella given Mendy’s unpromising fitness, therefore shutting the door on a possible move to Chelsea for the Spaniard.
With potentially Rodri and Yan Diomande also on Madrid’s radar, the club could look to balance their books by entertaining offers for Carreras if the right bid arrives.
Given that Real Madrid spent £43 million on the 23-year-old last year, they will certainly look to profit from any possible sale and might demand a higher price tag.
It remains to be seen how much Chelsea are prepared to invest in Carreras if a transfer emerges as a strong likelihood before the Premier League campaign begins next month.