Barcelona in advanced negotiations with Spanish left-back: Fabrizio Romano | OneFootball

With the transfer window getting closer and closer, Barcelona are stepping up their plans for the summer as they look to strengthen several key positions in the roster.

One of the main areas of concern is signing a new left-back to provide cover and compete with senior pro Jordi Alba, who has had to tough it all by himself in the ongoing campaign without any proper rest or rotation.

And, Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso has been earmarked as the priority target for the position by Barcelona. The 31-year-old has been with the Blues for almost six years now but is seeking an exit this summer and has his heart set on a return to Spain.

And, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Barça are already in advanced negotiations with Alonso over a potential move from Chelsea at the end of the season.

However, the Italian journalist adds that any move would depend on the transfer fee demands made by the west London outfit for their seasoned campaigner. Given that Alonso’s current contract with Chelsea expires next year, Barça have no intentions of paying a huge fee for him.

Chelsea are yet to make a decision on the subject as they still continue to deal with their ownership situation. The consortium led by Todd Boehly is primed to take over imminently, following which the transfer activities could ramp up at Stamford Bridge.

Alonso had been behind Ben Chilwell in the pecking order at the club. But the Englishman’s season-ending injury has meant that the former Fiorentina ace has featured regularly for Thomas Tuchel’s side and performed admirably.

In 45 appearances this term, Alonso has contributed four goals and six assists and can be an asset for Barcelona, even though it might not be a long-term strategy. What now remains to be seen is how much Chelsea demand for the 31-year-old and if Barça are willing to meet that valuation.