Chelsea have made a £21m bid for Real Madrid left-back Alvaro Carreras, according to reports in Spain. The offer, worth 25m euros, was immediately rejected by Madrid, who are holding out for at least 50m euros (£43m) to sanction the 23-year-old's departure.
Alonso's Influence on the Transfer
New Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso, who signed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge, is searching for a left-back following Marc Cucurella's move to Real Madrid. Alonso was keen for Cucurella to stay, but the Spaniard decided to leave after Chelsea's disappointing season. Alonso is a known admirer of Carreras, having worked with him during his brief spell in charge at Real Madrid. Spanish outlet Sport claims Alonso instructed Chelsea's hierarchy to sign Carreras as the ideal replacement for Cucurella.
Carreras' Situation at Real Madrid
Carreras' future at the Bernabeu is uncertain given Cucurella's arrival, but the player is believed to be keen to stay despite increased competition. Alonso, however, hopes to use the incentive of more regular game-time to convince Carreras to join Chelsea, who finished 10th in the Premier League last season. Alonso trusted Carreras to such an extent that he used him at centre-back at times while in charge of Real Madrid. Netherlands international Jorrel Hato, who joined Chelsea last summer for £36m, can play at left-back, but the Blues are keen to bring in a new starter under Alonso.
Cucurella's Departure
Cucurella had established himself as a key member of the Chelsea squad before his £52m move to Real Madrid. Reflecting on his transfer, Cucurella said last month: 'If you had asked me a few months ago, I probably would have said I don’t expect to leave Chelsea. I was very happy there and so was my family. It isn’t easy leaving Chelsea. I arrived as a young kid, I dreamed of winning trophies and Chelsea gave me that, but I think the step to go to Real Madrid now is bigger. I have the chance to come back to my country, to one of the best clubs in the world, and I think it is a step I need to make. It is a decision that wasn’t easy, but it is right for me and my family.'
