Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso remains determined to bring Real Madrid left-back Alvaro Carreras to Stamford Bridge, according to SPORT.
Chelsea boss Alonso prepares improved bid for Real Madrid left-back Carreras
The Spanish coach has identified the 22-year-old defender as one of his top transfer priorities since taking charge in London and believes he would be an ideal fit for his long-term project at the club.
Alonso knows Carreras well from their time together at Real Madrid, where the manager worked with the left-back during the first half of last season.
That familiarity has only strengthened his conviction that the former Manchester United prospect can thrive under his guidance in the Premier League.
Chelsea have already made an initial approach for Carreras, with reports indicating that a €25 million offer was swiftly rejected by Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants value the defender at €50 million, the same fee they paid Benfica to bring him back to the Bernabeu last summer.
Despite the setback, Alonso has instructed the Chelsea hierarchy to push forward with an improved bid.
Real Madrid have informed Chelsea that Carreras is not for sale, although offers in the region of €50 million could test their resolve.
The Madrid club have already sold Fran Garcia this summer, making another departure at left-back unlikely.
The biggest obstacle to a deal may be the player himself. Carreras wants to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu after joining only a year ago and still believes he can establish himself at the club.
However, with Marc Cucurella arriving from Chelsea and expected to become the first-choice left-back under new Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, Carreras faces a backup role if he stays.
A move to Chelsea would offer him a guaranteed starting position under a coach who has shown consistent faith in his abilities.
Alonso has reportedly already promised the Spaniard that he would be an undisputed starter at Stamford Bridge.
For Chelsea, securing Carreras would address a clear need on the left side of defence following Cucurella’s departure.
Alonso views the signing as essential to his rebuilding project, and the club appear willing to match Madrid’s asking price if the manager can convince the player to make the switch.
The coming weeks will determine whether Alonso can overcome Real Madrid’s reluctance and the player’s own hesitation to complete what would be a significant statement signing for the Blues.
