A shock rumour has circled today with left back Marcos Alonso being linked from Barcelona to Aston Villa.
With Lucas Digne set to leave the club, the Villains are in need of an out an out left back.
There have been several links with Marcos Acuna, of Sevilla, seeming closest to completion.
Despite this, links to other defenders have become frequent, with Alonso the most recent.
Reported by AS, Barcelona haven’t registered him into their squad for the season due to the potential signing of Joao Cancelo.
The form of Alejandro Balde has also played its part.
Xavi is said to be ‘very satisfied’ with the performances of Alonso, yet it appears he is set to depart.
The departure of the left back could free up ‘five million for fair play’, which would benefit transfer budget for the season.
There is reports of ‘a firm offer’ from Unai Emery’s side.
Who is Marcos Alonso?
At 32-years old he represents a different type of player for Villa to be interested in.
With top quality spells at Chelsea and Barcelona, he clearly has quality to offer Emery’s squad this season.
He signed for Chelsea for £24 million and won the Premier League in his first season.
On the way to the trophy, he scored six goals and assisted three as a wing back.
He won five trophies alongside the league, winning an FA Cup, Europa League and an historic Champions League.
Six seasons in London, Alonso joined Barcelona on a free transfer where he has gone onto make 24 appearances.
A La Liga trophy and a Supercopa de Espana in his first season, very successful maiden campaign.
Should Aston Villa sign Marcos Alonso?
Alonso isn’t a name that will jump of the page to Villa fans.
He didn’t leave Chelsea with the greatest form or reputation which may sway the Villains’ thinking about him.
Very good on the ball, he passes forward where possible. He is also great at set pieces both shooting and crossing wise.
The issue with this move is, he is very similar and older than Digne.
It is likely that Alonso would come on a free or even on a very cheap deal, meaning his wages would be high.
This appears to be the issue that has seen the French left back forced out this window.
This one doesn’t quite make sense as a signing, especially with Digne already at the club.
