Marcos Alonso has agreed on a move to Atletico Madrid, the Spanish outlet Marca reports.
According to the source, the Rojiblancos have first made contact with the full back two months ago, but then Alonso has not been so sure of his plans.
Since then the Spaniard fell down the pecking order at Chelsea, losing his starting XI place to Emerson Palmieri.
It culminated with a bench role for the Europa League final.
Moreover, Alonso has admitted that Maurizio Sarri’s 4-3-3 system has led to his difficulties over the season. Under the previous manager Antonio Conte, Alonso played as a wing-back, but in Sarri’s formation, the 28-year-old has had to play as a conventional left-back and defend a lot more.
The Spaniard said: “For me personally, the path changed. I started very well, then the manager wanted different things from me.”
So, when Atletico approached Alonso once more, the defender agreed in principle on a move to the Spanish capital. However, as the player have renewed his contract only recently, the transfer fee would be high – as well as the salary demands.
All things considered, Marca conclude their report: ‘Although Alonso has given Atletico the green light, it is not going to be easy to pry him away from Stamford Bridge.’