Spanish outlet SPORT have reported that Chelsea and Barcelona have ceased talks over Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso. This comes as a surprise as the Blues are in a process of trimming the squad and replenishing with new faces. Azpilicueta has made his priorities clear on staying with Chelsea but had not shut the door on a transfer to Barcelona. In fact, it was reported that the Spaniard was certain that the Blues would not stand in his way if he wanted to leave.
Marcos Alonso has been a peculiar case as he has had a crucial part to play in Chelsea's recent success. He has not been favoured by many of the Chelsea faithful but has been widely appreciated as an attacking wing-back. The Spaniard is also tipped for a move to Barcelona with just one year remaining on his contract.
In terms of defence, Chelsea have not had the best of luck in the transfer window. Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen's departures have set them back massively and it is imperative that they are able to fill the void left. There are a number of reasons to want to keep Azpilicueta and Alonso at Chelsea - here are just three.
Leadership
Since the departure of Gary Cahill, Cesar Azpilicueta has been an honourable captain. He has shown great leadership on and off the pitch and is in general perceived as a solid guy. The Chelsea team has an array of options in terms of leadership quality but there's no better option to have than the man himself. He has won all that there is to win with the club, including the prestigious Club World Cup which the Blues had failed to win before.
Having a presence in the dressing room is an underrated trait. Rudiger was notoriously known for his presence and leadership skills before his departure. Losing another leader could cause some sort friction behind the scenes. Mason Mount and Reece James are tipped as the future of Chelsea and will be warmly received by the Chelsea fan base if either were to assume the role of captaincy. They both have the quality to fill the void that would be left by their current captain, but it would be perfect to ease them in as opposed to an abrupt turn of events.
Left-back Reassurance
Like it or not, Marcos Alonso has had a long career at Chelsea because when he turns up the heat, he is unplayable. The 31-year-old has had a rollercoaster of a season. His first couple of months last season saw him in favour with the manager over Ben Chilwell. The Spaniard was an exemplar alternative to the young England international who needed some time to be eased back into the season. Once Chilwell took his spot as the starting left-wing-back, however, it wasn't long before an ACL injury occurred that saw the England international ruled out for the rest of the season.
The Blues had to manage their players from then on, as Alonso was the only person who was able to step up. There were some questionable games where fans criticised him but there were also a number of occasions where his reliability saved the day. Having watched Tuchel forced to use Malang Sarr as left-back in a shortage of options, you start to rate reliability more and more - and that's something Alonso could bring.
Unless something changes between now and the end of the transfer window, the Blues are yet to move for a left-back option.
Stability
As well as reliability, stability often goes under the radar as a factor in making a squad tick. The Blues have faced a tough pre-season with two defeats and one win so far. Thomas Tuchel has made his frustrations very public and it probably isn't the best look to have two long-term players walk out of the door shortly after. Tuchel is frustrated with the fact that players are looking elsewhere for a Chelsea exit and Azpilicueta and Alonso could be two of the players this is directed at.
Every team needs harmony and a sense of stability if they are to progress. For a team that has to compete with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool next season, it is more important than ever to ensure that this is not broken. As much as fans may believe that it's time to move on from the Spanish duo, losing four defenders in one window does not bode well for stability at all. Everyone is replaceable but not everyone is worth that risk.
I for one would be content with the pair staying another season with Chelsea. If reports are correct, it will be more beneficial than detrimental to the club.
What do you think? Should Chelsea keep Azpilicueta and Alonso next season?
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