Chelsea are actively pursuing a deal for Real Madrid left-back Álvaro Carreras as they look to fill the void left by Marc Cucurella’s departure to the Spanish capital.
Alonso Wants His Former Starter Carreras to Replace Cucurella
The move comes as new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso looks to reunite with a player he knows well from his time in charge at Real Madrid.
Cucurella completed his move to Real Madrid earlier this summer in a deal worth £47.5 million plus £4.3 million in add-ons.
The 27-year-old’s departure has left a significant gap on Chelsea’s left flank, and Alonso has identified Carreras as the ideal replacement.
Carreras, 23, joined Real Madrid from Benfica just a year ago for €50 million (£43m).
The Spaniard previously spent time in Manchester United’s academy system but never made a senior appearance for the Red Devils.
Under Alonso’s management at Real Madrid, Carreras held down a regular starting place.
However, his situation changed following Alonso’s dismissal in January and the subsequent arrival of Álvaro Arbeloa as his successor.
Carreras finished last season as a backup to Fran García, and the arrival of World Cup-winning left-back Marc Cucurella has further diminished his chances of regular playing time.
According to reports from Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea have already seen an opening bid of around £21 million rejected by Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants are reportedly seeking a fee in the region of €45-50 million (£38-43m) to sanction the defender’s departure.
For Real Madrid, the transfer makes financial and sporting sense.
The club currently has a full squad of 25 players and needs to create space for additional summer signings, including a blockbuster deal for Ivorian winger Yan Diomandé from RB Leipzig.
Carreras’ departure would free up a valuable squad spot while helping fund further reinforcements.
Chelsea currently have young left-back options including Denner, Jorrel Hato, and Caleb Wiley.
However, Alonso believes Carreras would bring valuable first-team experience and enhance the quality of Chelsea’s defence.
The Spanish manager’s strong relationship with the player, combined with the promise of regular playing time at Stamford Bridge, could prove decisive in convincing Carreras to make the move.
Negotiations between the two clubs are expected to intensify in the coming weeks as both sides look to reach an agreement that satisfies all parties.
