Chelsea defender Marcos Alonos confirms desire to play in La Liga

The left wing-back has just enjoyed a productive campaign at Stamford Bridge, making a total of 36 starts and seven substitute appearances in all competitions.

However, the 31-year-old's regular game time came as a result of Ben Chilwell's serious knee injury in November, Thomas Tuchel placing full faith in the Spaniard rather than sign a replacement.

Despite frequently featuring for the Blues during 2021-22, speculation has persisted that Alonso wants to sign for Barcelona during the summer transfer window.

Although he was born in Madrid, Alonso has only ever made one brief substitute appearance in La Liga, instead plying his trade for Bolton Wanderers, Fiorentina, Sunderland and Chelsea respectively.

With his contract due to expire in 2023, it appears that Alonso is keen to take the opportunity to explore a new challenge from next season onwards.

As quoted by Onda Cero, Alonso said: "I have one more year of my contract.

"I have already said that I would like it, but in the end it does not depend entirely on me. It is clear that the desire to one day play in Spain is there."

Recent reports have claimed that Alonso has already agreed personal terms with Barcelona and that Chelsea are prepared to let one of their longest-serving players depart West London over the coming months.

Nevertheless, Barcelona are yet to come up with a suitable fee, something which could take time as they look to wrap up other deals.

The Catalan giants have allegedly already agreed to sign Alonso's Chelsea teammate Andreas Christensen on a free transfer, but the deal is yet to be confirmed.

Furthermore, Barcelona have also been strongly linked with Cesar Azpilicueta, who may be allowed to depart Chelsea despite 12 months remaining on his contract.

Sergino Dest has been suggested as someone who could move in the opposite direction, although it has been claimed that the versatile wide player would take some convincing to leave Camp Nou at this stage of his career.