Chelsea are facing life after Marc Cucurella following the confirmation of his £52 million move to Real Madrid, with attention now turning towards who could replace one of the club’s most influential players from recent seasons.
The Spain international leaves Stamford Bridge after establishing himself as a key figure on the left side of Chelsea’s defence.
His energy, consistency and attacking threat made him one of the first names on the teamsheet, and replacing him will not be straightforward.
As a result, Chelsea have been linked with several left-backs as they begin planning for the future.
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One player regularly mentioned in transfer discussions is Newcastle defender Lewis Hall.
The former Chelsea academy graduate has developed impressively since leaving west London and is now regarded as one of England’s brightest young full-backs.
His familiarity with the club and ability to operate in multiple roles would make him an obvious candidate if Chelsea decided to pursue a reunion.
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The west Londoners are trying to convince him,
Other options have also been assessed as the club’s recruitment team explore the market.
With Xabi Alonso preparing for his first season in charge, Chelsea are determined to ensure every position is stocked with elite-level quality.
The left-back role has therefore become one of the most important areas of focus following Cucurella’s departure.
Now a new name has emerged as a serious possibility.
Chelsea could sign Real Madrid defender Alvaro Carreras
According to Chelsea insider Simon Phillips, the Blues are carrying out checks on Real Madrid defender Alvaro Carreras.
His Substack report suggests Chelsea’s interest is genuine and that enquiries have already taken place regarding the Spanish full-back.
Carreras is a player many supporters will remember from his time in England.
The 23-year-old spent part of his development years at Man United, although he never made a competitive senior appearance for the club.
He eventually moved abroad to continue his progress and quickly established himself as one of the most promising young left-backs in Europe.
A successful spell with Benfica helped elevate his reputation even further.
His performances in Portugal attracted widespread praise and ultimately convinced Real to bring him back to Spain.
Despite only arriving at the Bernabeu ahead of last season, speculation surrounding his future has already begun.
That is where Chelsea enter the picture.
According to Phillips, ongoing discussions between Chelsea and Los Blancos over several different matters, including Enzo Fernandez, have maintained communication channels between the two clubs.
As a result, Carreras has emerged as a player Chelsea are monitoring closely.
The Spaniard would certainly fit the profile of signing Chelsea have often targeted in recent years. He is young, technically gifted and still has considerable room for development.
Carreras is known for his ability to drive forward from defence, deliver quality crosses and contribute in possession.
Those traits could make him an attractive option in Alonso’s system.
There is also the obvious Spanish connection too, and the left-back is a player who ‘surprised‘ Alonso with his ability during their time together at the Bernabeu.
That familiarity could prove important if Chelsea decide to take their interest further.
Replacing Cucurella was always going to be one of the biggest challenges facing Chelsea this summer.
Carreras may not have been the first name supporters expected to see linked with the role, but if the latest reports are accurate, he is rapidly becoming one of the most interesting candidates to watch.
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The Blues have ‘tentative’ interest.
