Marcos Alonso can hand Chelsea transfer edge over Barcelona amid Sergino Dest interest – Anita Abayomi

As we all know, Chelsea are in the middle of planning a complete rebuild of the squad. Thomas Tuchel has reportedly been allowed a budget of £200million from new owners, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. They have some defensive holes to cover as a priority, and whilst fans focus on the possibility of centre-back options, the Blues must consider their wing-back options as well.

Last season saw Ben Chilwell and Reece James suffer from injuries impacting the team as a whole. They must be provided with adequate cover in case this situation was to happen again. No player enjoys playing back up in their prime years, but adequate backup options should be assessed. Options such as Barcelona’s Sergino Dest.

Seeing as Barcelona are set to employ half of Chelsea’s first-team defence, surely they could be interested in a swap deal for their American full-back?

READ MORE: Thomas Tuchel handed Marcos Alonso replacement boost after Chelsea January transfer failing

It’s no secret that Dest has been unhappy during his time at Barcelona. talkSPORT reported that the American had apparently “lost the trust” of manager Xavi. The report also suggested that Xavi prefers Sergi Roberto, Ronald Araujo and Oscar Mingueza.

The right-back has struggled with injuries throughout the season which has impacted his ability to play as often as would like, but that’s no reason for Thomas Tuchel’s Blues to not capitalise. Despite his injury record from this season, he would make a great alternative to Reece James and could be healthy competition for the England international.

As mentioned, Chelsea are involved in a hectic rebuild. They must think wisely to save money where they can. Academy product Dijon Sterling could also be an option if the Blues decided to not opt for an external option. In a bid to save money, they could also opt-in for a less common solution. A player plus cash swap deal.

Marcos Alonso is set to join the Catalans with one year left on his Chelsea contract. The Blues could negotiate a deal that could solve their right-back problems once and for all.