Alonso Eyes Madrid's Carreras as Chelsea Replacement for Cucurella

Chelsea's incoming manager Xabi Alonso has set his sights on Real Madrid left-back Álvaro Carreras as a potential replacement for Marc Cucurella, who completed his £52million switch to the Bernabéu this summer.

Alonso, who takes the Chelsea reins on July 1, is understood to have made enquiries about Carreras' availability during negotiations surrounding Cucurella's departure. The pair worked together at Madrid, and the new Chelsea boss rates the 23-year-old Spaniard highly.

Carreras' situation at the Bernabéu has become uncertain following Jose Mourinho's appointment as Real Madrid manager. The Portugal-born defender, who arrived from Benfica just twelve months ago for a €50m package, finds himself surplus to requirements under the new regime.

According to journalist Sergio Valentin, Mourinho has already made it clear to Carreras that he will not feature as a regular starter next season. With Cucurella now established as first-choice at left-back, the writing appears to be on the wall for the 23-year-old at Madrid.

Manchester United are also circling, with Michael Carrick's side exploring the possibility of bringing Carreras back to Old Trafford. The Red Devils are actively seeking defensive reinforcements in the left-back department.

However, Madrid are proving reluctant to part with their man. Despite Alonso's interest and Chelsea's formal enquiries, the club have signalled that Carreras remains part of their plans—contradicting Mourinho's apparent message to the player himself. Real Madrid have instead indicated a willingness to offload Fran Garcia or Ferland Mendy, though neither prospect appeals to Alonso.

Carreras committed to a six-year contract when joining Madrid last summer, with five years remaining on his current deal through June 2031, giving the Spanish outfit significant leverage in any negotiation.