CHELSEA are set to lose Marcos Alonso in the summer transfer window as Barcelona see him as their No1 priority.
The Blues wing-back, 26, is seen as the ‘new Eric Abidal’ by the La Liga giants who are set to splash out big money on the Spaniard, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Alonso only signed for Antonio Conte’s Premier League-winning Chelsea last summer after three seasons at Serie A side Fiorentina.
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Chelsea spent £24million to get their man – who had previously had spells at Real Madrid, Bolton Wanderers and Sunderland – but may be on the verge of losing him after a single season.
Alonso was seen as something of a bit part player at the start of the season.
However a stunning formation switch to 3-4-3 by Conte has seen him – along with Victor Moses – thrive in their wing-back roles.
After helping the Blues to their second title in three years, Alonso has now attracted the attention of Barcelona.
Luis Enrique sees the winger as a replacement for – or at least as competition for – Jordi Alba in the starting XI.
Lucas Digne was brought in last summer, but has failed to shine at the Nou Camp as he has been unable to consistently keep his place in the team.
Now Alonso, whose grandfather also played for Real Madrid, could be on his way in a money-spinning move to Spain.
While the Chelsea man is reportedly comfortable and settled in London, a potential move to Barcelona would certainly help his long-term Spain international ambitions.