Chelsea have wasted little time reshaping their squad ahead of the 2026/2027 season, and one position has quickly become a priority following Marc Cucurella’s departure to Real Madrid. The Spanish left-back played a vital role during his time at Stamford Bridge, leaving a significant gap that the Blues are now eager to fill.
According to recent reports, Chelsea have identified former Manchester United academy defender Alvaro Carreras as their leading candidate to replace Cucurella. The move would represent another major step in Chelsea’s ambitious summer rebuild under new manager Xabi Alonso.
With several high-profile arrivals and departures already completed, the West London club appears determined to build a squad capable of challenging for domestic and European honors once again.
Chelsea Continue Aggressive Summer Transfer Strategy
Since appointing Xabi Alonso as head coach, Chelsea have been among the busiest clubs in the transfer market.
The Blues have focused on strengthening key positions while also reshaping the squad with younger players capable of fitting Alonso’s tactical philosophy.
Some of Chelsea’s biggest transfer moves this summer include:
- Signing England international Morgan Rogers for £117 million on a seven-year contract.
- Closing in on Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix in a deal worth approximately £51 million.
- Allowing several first-team players to leave Stamford Bridge.
- Prioritizing reinforcements in defense following Marc Cucurella’s exit.
Chelsea’s recruitment strategy suggests the club is investing not only in immediate success but also in long-term stability.
Marc Cucurella’s Departure Leaves a Big Void
Among all the outgoing transfers, Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid has generated the most attention.
The Spanish international completed a transfer reportedly worth £47.5 million, with an additional £4.3 million in performance-related bonuses.
During his time at Chelsea, Cucurella developed into one of the club’s most dependable defenders.
His contributions included:
- Consistent defensive performances.
- Excellent work rate down the left flank.
- Tactical flexibility in different formations.
- Valuable experience in major competitions.
Replacing a player with those qualities will not be an easy task, making Chelsea’s search for a suitable successor one of the club’s biggest priorities this summer.
Alvaro Carreras Emerges as Chelsea’s Top Target
According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, later cited by Sportbible, Chelsea have placed Alvaro Carreras at the top of their shortlist.
The 23-year-old Spanish defender is no stranger to English football.
Before making his name in Portugal and Spain, Carreras spent several years developing in Manchester United’s academy, where he impressed with his technical ability and attacking instincts from the left-back position.
Although he never established himself in United’s senior squad, his development continued rapidly after moving to Benfica.
His performances in Portugal eventually convinced Real Madrid to sign him for around £43 million last summer.
Now, just one year later, Chelsea could offer him an unexpected return to English football.
Why Chelsea Believe Carreras Fits Alonso’s System
One of the biggest reasons behind Chelsea’s interest is Carreras’ previous working relationship with Xabi Alonso.
While Alonso managed Real Madrid, Carreras established himself as the first-choice left-back thanks to his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch.
His playing style matches many of the characteristics Alonso values in modern full-backs.
Those strengths include:
- Excellent ball progression.
- Comfortable playing in possession-based systems.
- Strong defensive positioning.
- Ability to overlap and create width in attack.
- Tactical intelligence during transitions.
These qualities could make Carreras an ideal replacement for Marc Cucurella as Chelsea continue adapting to Alonso’s tactical approach.
Real Madrid’s Squad Situation Opens the Door
Chelsea’s chances of signing Carreras may have increased because of Real Madrid’s current squad situation.
The Spanish giants have reportedly reached the maximum limit of 25 senior players.
That leaves club officials facing difficult decisions before the new season begins.
Selling one or more players has become necessary to balance the squad and avoid leaving established names off the official league registration list.
Carreras is among the players whose future has become uncertain despite arriving only a year ago.
This scenario gives Chelsea a realistic opportunity to negotiate a transfer.
Competition at Real Madrid Has Intensified
Carreras’ situation has changed considerably over the past few months.
Following Xabi Alonso’s departure from Real Madrid, Alvaro Arbeloa took charge and began making tactical adjustments.
Fran Garcia has since become a more prominent option at left-back.
Meanwhile, the arrival of Marc Cucurella has increased competition even further.
Instead of competing against just one player, Carreras now finds himself battling multiple established defenders for limited minutes.
As a result, regular first-team football could become difficult to secure.
For a player entering a crucial stage of his career, consistent playing time remains essential.
Financial Benefits Could Encourage the Transfer
From Real Madrid’s perspective, allowing Carreras to leave could also make financial sense.
The club recently completed the signing of highly rated Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, adding another investment to an already expensive summer transfer window.
Selling Carreras would provide several advantages:
- Create room within the senior squad.
- Generate additional transfer income.
- Improve financial flexibility.
- Help balance the wage structure.
- Support future transfer activity.
Chelsea are aware of these circumstances and may attempt to negotiate favorable terms.
Chelsea’s Defensive Rebuild Continues
Chelsea’s defensive overhaul is clearly far from complete.
With Maxence Lacroix expected to strengthen central defense and Alvaro Carreras emerging as the preferred replacement for Marc Cucurella, the club is assembling a back line that fits Xabi Alonso’s football philosophy.
The strategy focuses on younger players capable of developing together while maintaining immediate competitiveness.
Should Carreras complete the move, Chelsea would secure a left-back already familiar with elite-level football, experienced in different tactical systems, and entering the prime years of his career.
Could Carreras Become Chelsea’s Next Success Story?
Replacing Marc Cucurella will undoubtedly be one of Chelsea’s toughest challenges this summer, but Alvaro Carreras appears to possess many of the qualities required for the role.
His previous experience in England, strong relationship with Xabi Alonso, and technical profile make him a logical candidate as the Blues reshape their squad for the future.
Although negotiations have yet to be finalized, Chelsea’s interest highlights their determination to remain competitive at the highest level. If the transfer goes through, Carreras could have the perfect opportunity to establish himself in the Premier League and become the next key figure in Chelsea’s evolving project under Xabi Alonso.
ALSO READ :
