Alonso keen on keeping Cucurella at Chelsea despite Atletico Madrid and Barcelona interest | OneFootball

Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella is a wanted man with two Spanish clubs eager to prise him away from Stamford Bridge. 

Cucurella is reportedly ready to leave Chelsea after four years. Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are at the front of the queue for his signature.

However, according to Mundo Deportivo, new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso is also keen on keeping the Spain international defender (23 caps).

The 27-year-old played a key part as Chelsea lifted the Europa Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup last season.

Unfortunately, he also suffered a dip in form this term alongside a host of other teammates.

The West Londoners will miss out on Champions League football for the third time in four years, leaving the BlueCo-owned club in need of a quick reshuffle.

Cucurella is one of the players who could leave, but it appears his new manager wants to keep him, which might help convince him to stay put.

Chelsea may feel they can upgrade on Cucurella eventually, but moving him on this summer would create more problems than solutions.

His technical limitations are obvious, even though he is a tireless fighter.

He is not an elite progressive passer or carrier. He does not consistently dominate one-versus-one situations and can look vulnerable when isolated defensively.

What he does bring is experience, personality and a winning mentality that this Chelsea squad still lacks in abundance.

After years of chaos, constant squad churn and dressing-room instability, proven winners remain valuable commodities.

Cucurella has played under pressure for Chelsea and his country.

He understands the demands of competing for trophies and has shown resilience during difficult periods at Stamford Bridge.

More importantly, the market is thin.

Truly elite left-backs are scarce and expensive, while Chelsea already have several other positions that need urgent investment.

Jorrel Hato has shown promise as a deputy, and his composure stands out for his age.

But expecting a teenager to handle the burden of starting every week in the Premier League and Europe would be reckless.

Keeping Cucurella may not be glamorous, but it is probably the sensible call.