Chelsea identify forward as Marcos Alonso replacement

James Shearman

Updated: 1 Jul 2022 16:40 BST
3 min read

Marcos Alonso, Chelsea, 2021-22 — © ProShots

Chelsea are interested in signing Burnley forward Maxwel Cornet as a replacement for wing-back Marcos Alonso.

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Blues boss Thomas Tuchel is impressed with the Frenchman's versatility, according to TalkSPORT's Alex Crook.

Cornet played a more advanced role in Sean Dyche's Burnley side last season, scoring nine Premier League goals, though he has experience of playing as a left wing-back from his time at Lyon.

The Clarets have already seen Nick Pope, Ben Mee and James Tarkowski leave the club and Cornet looks set to be next.

The 25-year-old is available for just £17.5 million, due to a relegation release clause in his contract.

Cornet is surely a bargain at that price, and could be an excellent way to kick-start The Blues' summer window under new owner Todd Boehly.

Chelsea face competition from Newcastle, who recently announced a deal for Pope, among a number of other clubs.

Marcos Alonso, who has spent six successful seasons at Stamford Bridge, would be allowed to leave the west London club should a deal for Cornet be completed.

How Chelsea could line up with Maxwel Cornet

In goal, Edouard Mendy should continue – he’s been a trusted figure under Thomas Tuchel, so there’s no reason to make a change this summer.

Defence is where the biggest changes will be seen, as Tuchel’s backline needs a rebuild following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.

Thiago Silva is still an excellent leader at the back and has plenty more to give, even at 37.

Trevoh Chalobah was trusted upon several times by Tuchel over the course of the 2021-22 season, so he is likely to receive more opportunities.

And, captain Cesar Azpilicueta has signed a one-year contract extension, keeping him in the team until new players are brought in.

The Blues are expected to sign at least one centre-back in the transfer market, with the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Jules Kounde and Kalidou Koulibaly all heavily linked.

#Chelsea are keeping tabs on Burnley's Maxwel Cornet, who is available for £17.5M this summer.

[via @alex_crook]
— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) July 1, 2022

On the right of the defence, Reece James has nailed down his spot, while Cornet would provide serious competition for Ben Chilwell – who is set to return after a long injury lay-off.

In midfield, World Cup winner N’Golo Kante could partner Mateo Kovacic, who has been excellent in recent seasons.

Mason Mount has been appreciated several times by Tuchel over the course of the German’s tenure, so he should continue in the team.

On the left, Christian Pulisic is there for now - until The Blues sign one of there attacking targets, such as Neymar or Raheem Sterling.

Finally, Kai Havertz had a better second season at Stamford Bridge, and has been leading the line quite often for club and country, so that should be his position secured.