Chelsea Transfer News: Marcos Alonso Bid Denied by Fiorentina, Latest Rumours

Carlos Freitas, sporting director of Fiorentina, has said there have been no approaches made for reported Chelsea target Marcos Alonso. 

Per Firenzeviola.it (h/t ESPN FC's Ben Gladwell), Freitas was asked at a press conference if any clubs had been in touch regarding any of Fiorentina's players. He responded by saying, "At the moment, no."

Talking specifically about Alonso, he added, "He is a Fiorentina player at the moment."

Sky Sports' Michael Cantillon reported on Monday that the Blues were in "advanced talks" to sign him, while Matt Law of the Telegraph reported on Tuesday that Chelsea are finalising a move worth £20 million.

Alonso enjoyed an excellent season for the Serie A outfit last year as one of their standout performers. Here are some of his best moments:

Squawka Football supplied the numbers behind his campaign:

The Spaniard's arrival would allow Cesar Azpilicueta to return to his natural position as a right-back, producing a domino effect with Branislav Ivanovic doing the same, as he would in turn be freed up to play in the centre.

GianlucaDiMarzio.com's David Amoyal and Sky Sports' Guillem Balague are admirers of his talents:

The 25-year-old may not be the marquee defender many Chelsea fans are undoubtedly hoping for, but he could prove to be an astute acquisition from Antonio Conte—if a deal can be struck before the window closes at 11 p.m. BST on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Goal's Nizaar Kinsella reported that Inter Milan have accepted a €25 million offer from Chelsea for Marcelo Brozovic, with only personal terms left to be agreed.

Further, according to "sources close to Inter and the player," it is "extremely likely" they'll come to an agreement before the window shuts.

The Croatian midfielder impressed for the Serie A side last season, as WhoScored.com demonstrated:

Here's some insight into how, per Squawka:

	Brozovic
Apps	32
Goals	4
Assists	5
Chances Created	49
Take-Ons	49
Tackles	42
Interceptions	40
Passing Accuracy	82%

The 23-year-old rising star is at his best going forward thanks to his creativity, tidy passing in the final third and eye for goal.

Often deployed as a box-to-box midfielder, Brozovic won't shirk his defensive duties but does lack the physicality needed to be a truly effective ball-winner.

Brozovic still has room to grow and could do that at Stamford Bridge, particularly as the presence of N'Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic will allow him more freedom to do what he does best and move further forward.

His arrival would add a great deal of strength in depth to Chelsea's midfield options.