Chelsea have submitted a £21m offer for Real Madrid left-back Alvaro Carreras, according to Spanish outlet Sport. The bid was immediately rejected by Madrid, who value the 23-year-old at £43m.
Alonso targets former player
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, who signed a four-year contract, has identified Carreras as the ideal replacement for Marc Cucurella. Cucurella completed a £52m move to Real Madrid last month, leaving a gap at left-back. Alonso worked with Carreras during his brief spell as Real Madrid boss and used him at centre-back on occasion.
Jorrel Hato, who joined Chelsea last summer for £36m, can play left-back, but Alonso wants a specialist starter. Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season, prompting squad changes.
Rejected bid and player stance
Sport reports that Chelsea's initial offer of €25m (£21m) was turned down. Real Madrid are holding out for at least €50m (£43m) to sanction Carreras' exit. The defender is believed to be keen to stay at the Bernabeu despite increased competition from Cucurella, but Alonso hopes to lure him with promises of regular game time.
Carreras previously worked with Jose Mourinho at Benfica but was dropped after a dip in form. Alonso, however, has maintained faith in his abilities.
Cucurella's departure
Cucurella had established himself as a key Chelsea player before his move. He said last month: 'If you had asked me a few months ago, I probably would have said I don’t expect to leave Chelsea. I was very happy there and so was my family. It isn’t easy leaving Chelsea. I arrived as a young kid, I dreamed of winning trophies and Chelsea gave me that, but I think the step to go to Real Madrid now is bigger.'
