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Chelsea have suffered a significant setback in their pursuit of a new left back following Marc Cucurella's departure, and ironically, the blow has come from the very club the Spaniard is heading to — Real Madrid. The Spanish powerhouse are reportedly refusing to consider selling Álvaro Carreras.
Over the past few days, reports emerging from Spain suggested Carreras had caught Chelsea's eye, with the Blues adding him to a shortlist of potential replacements for Cucurella.
However, AS reports that Real Madrid view Carreras as "untouchable" and have no intention of allowing him to leave the club this summer.
Despite splashing out heavily on Cucurella — making him the most expensive left back in history — Real Madrid have no desire to offload Carreras just one year after his arrival.
Why Real Madrid Don't Want To Sell Alvaro Carreras
Mourinho is banking on Carreras to compete with Cucurella for the starting left back berth next season, according to the report. Having invested $58.42 million (€50 million) to acquire Carreras from Benfica last summer and tying him down to a six-year deal, Los Blancos are not prepared to cut their losses.
Real Madrid appear unwilling to sanction his exit unless an offer arrives that would see Carreras depart at a financial loss on their original outlay.
Ferland Mendy's persistent injury issues have made the Frenchman an unreliable option at left back, and he may be heading out of the Spanish capital.
Likewise, Fran García could also be on his way out, with several clubs across Europe showing interest in the La Fábrica product. With two of Real Madrid's four left backs potentially leaving, Carreras is needed at minimum to provide cover and at best to challenge Cucurella for the starting position.
Who Chelsea Could Sign At Left Back
With Cucurella gone and Carreras off the table, Chelsea must look elsewhere, as 20-year-old Jorrel Hato remains the only natural left back currently available to Xabi Alonso. The Dutch youngster was also frequently deployed at center back throughout his first season at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have wrapped up the signing of Brazilian talent Denner Evangelista, though the 18-year-old is viewed as a long-term prospect and is not expected to arrive at the club this summer.
Luring Newcastle United left back Lewis Hall back to his boyhood club has been floated as a possibility. However, given that this same ownership group was responsible for pushing the Cobham academy product out in the first place, a return for the Englishman appears unlikely at this stage.
SI answers is our AI answer engine trained on human-created content.
Uruguayan speedster Maxi Araújo has entered Chelsea's radar, particularly if Alonso opts to revert to the 3-4-3 system he deployed at Bayer Leverkusen. Araújo, currently plying his trade at Sporting CP, could be well-suited to the wingback role.
Regardless of which direction Chelsea pursue, the left back position needs to be strengthened before Alonso's first season gets underway, as it currently stands as one of the most underpopulated areas of the squad.