Chelsea Transfer News: Marcos Alonso Reportedly Real Madrid's 'Dream Option'

Real Madrid are reportedly lamenting leaving their pursuit of Chelsea full-back Marcos Alonso too late, with the Spaniard said to be a "dream option" for Los Blancos. 

According to Juan Ignacio Garcia-Ochoa of Marca, Madrid "are well aware of his many talents" but realise it’d be very difficult to prise him away from Stamford Bridge. "Los Blancos had the opportunity to sign him in the past, but at the time preferred to extend Fabio Coentrao's contract," the report continued.

Garcia-Ochoa added that while Alonso, who made one senior appearance for Los Blancos having come through the club’s academy, is Madrid’s "dream option" for a left-back signing, "it is practically mission impossible" to sign him from Chelsea.

Indeed, it’s been reported by Garcia-Ochoa that Madrid are looking at other targets in the left-back spot already. Real Sociedad’s Yuri Berchiche is said to be one, as is Aaron Martin Caricol, the 19-year-old Espanyol starlet.

It seems as though Madrid would prefer to bring in the former Fiorentina man, though. Squawka Football broke down the numbers behind what has been a very impressive debut season for Alonso at Chelsea:

Of all the signings made by the Blues in the summer, the acquisition of Alonso generated the least amount of fuss.

If anything, eyebrows were raised at the £23 million forked out to bring the 26-year-old to Chelsea. Previously he’d plied his trade in English football with Bolton Wanderers and Sunderland, although he didn’t really catch the eye.

Clive Rose/Getty Images

At Fiorentina he improved, and Chelsea manager Antonio Conte evidently envisaged where Alonso would fit in with the Premier League side. The Spaniard has hugged the left flank in the 3-4-3 setup, providing balance, composure and energy from the wing-back position.

While he may not be the most dynamic left-back, technically Alonso is outstanding. Per Sky Sports Statto, given the position in which he plays, his goal return is also impressive:

Madrid’s admiring glances this season are understandable, as the Chelsea man would be a brilliant player to add depth to the full-back positions. 

Although manager Zinedine Zidane has one of the best left-backs in world football to call upon in Marcelo, in reserve there’s little else. Fabio Coentrao is not fancied by the coach, and while Nacho is a decent stand-in, he’s not a natural in the role.

FRANCISCO LEONG/Getty Images

As noted by La Liga journalist Tim Stannard, with just one substitute appearance all season in the top flight, it’s unlikely Coentrao has a future at the Santiago Bernabeu:

Although he’s Madrid born and obviously has ties to the 11-time European champions, it’s difficult to see why Alonso would want to ply his trade anywhere else at the moment.

He can operate as a left-back, but the more advanced role in the Chelsea setup is perfectly aligned to his attributes as a player. Conte has done tremendously to get the best from Alonso.