Marcos Alonso has already hinted at Chelsea summer exit amid Atletico Madrid transfer links

Chelsea left-wing-back Marcos Alonso has previously admitted that he would like to have the opportunity of playing in La Liga amid fresh Atletico Madrid transfer rumours.

Alonso, 31, has been a mainstay in the first XI since Ben Chilwell's season-ending injury in the 4-0 thrashing of Juventus in the Champions League in the latter stages of 2021.

Therefore, it's no surprise to see the Blues seeking out more cover at full-back due to the struggles Thomas Tuchel has had since the terrible injuries to both Chilwell and Reece James respectively.

football.london understands that Emerson Palmieri is the main target for Tuchel this month to recall from loan but it's currently looking highly unlikely at the moment due to Lyon's resistance to let go of their reliable player who has become a fan favourite amongst the Ligue 1 faithful already.

Alternatively, the likes of Sergino Dest amongst many others have been linked to helping Alonso managing the task of trying to fill in well for the £50million man, and despite the problem being solved at the academy level, there is no sign yet that a new full-back signing is any closer to completion with nine days left of this January transfer window.

So, hearing that the Spaniard is of much interest to Atletico Madrid may make the Blues faithful wonder about the left-back position, but it is likely that an exit for the ex-Fiorentina man would only come to fruition in the summer.

Atletico's interest in Chelsea's No.3 derives all from one man - Diego Simeone - who has been a long-term admirer of the Antonio Conte signing for a while now.

According to Spanish outlet Marca, the 31-year-old is a 'dream signing' for Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone. He believes the Chelsea defender 'has it all', with Alonso wanting to make the switch to Spain to play in La Liga once again after featuring just once as a substitute for his old club Real Madrid.

As a back up, the hierarchy in the Spanish capital have apparently earmarked Lille's Reinildo Mandava as another player who could come in and help provide decent competition to current first choice Renan Lodi.

However, there is nothing to say that a potential swoop for the player whose contract expires at the end of 2023 wouldn't be cashed in upon by Marina Granovskaia and co if a sufficient offer was to be presented the European Champions' way.

Alonso's stance is also an important factor in this decision, and if comments in the past were to go by then a move to join Simeone's defensive juggernaut would be viewed as a welcomed opportunity by the player who has split opinion in the Chelsea fanbase during his six-year stay.

He said back in October when responding to a question about his future and what's next: "Well, the truth is that a bit of both. I'm very good there and also, before I retire, I would like to have the opportunity to play in La Liga.

"It is not something that feels urgent, I am very well in a great team and fighting for great titles."