Xabi Alonso targets Real Madrid defender for Chelsea after surprise Cucurella departure

The transfer market never stands still. If Real Madrid stunned fans on Sunday by pulling off the signing of Marc Cucurella, the next move could see a player heading in the opposite direction. Álvaro Carreras has emerged as a potential target for Chelsea.

According to journalist Simon Phillips, a report later confirmed by AS, the Galician fullback has entered the Blues’ thinking. For now, it is little more than an exploratory inquiry, with Chelsea assessing the potential transfer fee and the player’s contractual situation. The interest is not as surprising as it may initially seem. New Stamford Bridge boss Xabi Alonso knows Carreras well, while the defender is already familiar with English soccer and its demands.

As a youth player, Carreras left Real Madrid’s academy to join Manchester United’s Under-23 setup. He later spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Preston North End in the Championship, gaining valuable experience in England before eventually returning to Spain.

Real Madrid open to offers

Carreras has not yet been informed directly about Real Madrid’s plans for him, but the club does not view him as untouchable. He is reportedly José Mourinho’s preferred option to compete with Cucurella for minutes, although Fran García could also fill that role. Like Carreras, García remains available should the right offer arrive.

At least one of the three left backs behind Cucurella is expected to leave this summer. Madrid are determined to generate departures, whether through permanent transfers or favorable loan arrangements. What Chelsea might be willing to pay remains unclear.

The London club already invested in Brazilian prospect Denner this summer, paying around $11.7 million (€10 million) for the 18-year-old and handing him a seven-year contract. Chelsea have otherwise been relatively restrained compared with previous windows, with their biggest outlay so far coming on Portuguese winger Geovany Quenda, who cost approximately $59.7 million (€51 million).

A pivotal summer ahead for Chelsea

Whether he stays or goes, Carreras faces a defining summer. An inconsistent first season in Madrid has left him in a delicate position, especially with an established starter now arriving in his position.

The Ferrol native must decide between adapting to an unfamiliar backup role at the Santiago Bernabéu or seeking a fresh opportunity elsewhere. That decision could ultimately be influenced by Madrid themselves if the club decides to recover part of the roughly $58.5 million (€50 million) it invested in signing him just 11 months ago.

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