According to reports in Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are eyeing up a summer swoop for Chelsea wing-back Marcos Alonso.

What’s the word, then?

Well, Barcelona are said to be looking to make wholesale changes to their squad this summer in what has been a largely disappointing campaign for the Catalan giants.

They were knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage and they look set to lose out to Real Madrid for the La Liga title, with manager Luis Enrique already announcing that he will leave his post in the summer.

That hasn’t affected their transfer plans though and one of their priorities is to bring in a left-sided defender who can also play in the middle – as Eric Abidal did in the past – and they have identified Alonso as one of their top targets after he has enjoyed a successful season with the newly-crowned Premier League champions.

How good has he been?

He has been excellent.

Having spent a disappointing spell with Bolton Wanderers a few years ago, there would have been a few raised eyebrows when the Blues bought him for £23m last summer.

However, he has proved any of those doubters wrong and has been one of the standout performers in the left wing-back position under Antonio Conte this term.

As well as looking comfortable from a defensive point of view, the 26-year-old has also scored six goals and provided a further three assists in 30 Premier League appearances.

Could Barcelona really sign him?

Firstly, after such a successful first season with Chelsea they would be looking for a significant profit on the money they paid for the Spaniard, meaning he could cost upwards of £35-40m.

That would certainly put a deal in doubt, but the player could also be tempted by a move to one of the biggest clubs in his homeland and in the world, and one where his father also played his football.

What’s the verdict, then?

I think we’ll file this under speculation for now as it would take a large offer for Chelsea to even consider selling a player that has become such an important one this year.

If Barcelona do meet the asking price it could happen, but we just can’t see it.

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