Chelsea loanee could replace veteran defender who is keen to leave Stamford Bridge

Emerson Palmieri could replace Marcos Alonso who is keen to leave Chelsea this summer

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano (h/t Football.London), Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso wants to leave the club with on-loan defender Emerson Palmieri set to return and likely to take over the Spaniard’s spot in the roster.

The full-back joined the West London club from Fiorentina in 2016 and has since then had a very mixed career with the Blues. Whilst his utility to the Chelsea team over the years has never been in question, there has always been an opinion that he is not good enough to be a starter for the club.

The Spanish defender has stepped in ably for Ben Chilwell this season and played more than he probably expected to. The 31-year-old has taken 46 appearances for the Blues this season scoring five goals and making six assists across all competitions.

With Alonso is said to be keen on a return to his home country, Chelsea will have to ensure that they get a replacement in. With Emerson set to return to Stamford Bridge at the end of his loan spell to Lyon, the Blues may not have to dip into the market for a replacement.

A great servant?

Despite having a knife hanging over his head for pretty much the whole of his Chelsea career, there is no denying that Alonso has been a great servant to the Blues. His ability to be clinical in front of the goal has seen him score several key goals.

After spending six seasons at the club, the player finally wants to move on at 31, a return to his home country seems like an emotional decision. Although he could still be of use to the Blues if he stays, maybe it’s the right time for both sides to move on.

Alonso is said to be in advanced talks with Barcelona over a possible move to the Spanish giants. A transfer to one of the big clubs in his home country to wind down his career sounds like the perfect story. In Emerson, the Blues have a very able backup to Ben Chilwell.

The Italian defender has impressed on loan at the French club and has played 37 games for Lyon scoring two goals and providing one assist over this period. If the 27-year-old also decides to leave, however, we may have to dip into the transfer market.

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Losing Alonso is not the worst thing that could happen to us. We just need to be ready with replacements if such a scenario happens.