According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, talks between Barcelona and Chelsea are progressing well, with the Blaugrana increasingly optimistic about securing the services of the Chelsea defender in the ongoing transfer window. Marcos Alonso has endured a rollercoaster ride since joining Chelsea from Fiorentina six years ago. While the Spaniard has been in and out of the starting lineups in the last half a dozen years, he has often delivered the goods, particularly when he has started as a left wing-back.

The 31-year-old has garnered a solid return of 29 goals and 23 assists in 211 appearances thus far for Chelsea. But Alonso faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge after entering the final year of his contract. Such a situation has captured the attention of Barcelona.

Xavi Hernandez was in a spot of bother last season as he did not have a backup option for Jordi Alba. And with the Spanish international well into his thirties, he is entering the twilight of his glittering career. Barcelona will thus have to invest in a left-back this summer to compete with Alba while also primarily serving as his backup.
Alonso has thus emerged as a viable target for Barcelona, with the Chelsea defender already agreeing on personal terms with the Catalan club. But recent reports had claimed that Chelsea had been stopping the Spaniard from joining Barcelona in the wake of the Blaugrana beating them to Jules Kounde’s signature.
The Blues have also blocked Cesar Azpilicueta’s move to Barcelona, with the veteran Spanish full-back signing a new contract at Stamford Bridge. However, talks between Chelsea and Barcelona are progressing well, with Alonso now closing in on completing his desired move to Camp Nou this summer.
Former Blues midfielder John Obi Mikel has stated that it would benefit the club greatly if they could tie down the Spanish defender instead of allowing him to sign for the La Liga giants.