“He wanted to leave, and we agreed to his wish.” -Thomas Tuchel.

Barcelona are continuing to push ahead with a move for Marcos Alonso, and the left-back was not included in Chelsea’s matchday squad for their victory over Everton on Saturday.

When Thomas Tuchel was asked if Alonso’s absence was connected with his desire to leave the club, Tuchel replied, “That is the case. He wanted to leave, and we agreed to his wish, and that’s why it would not have made sense to have him on the pitch today. He would’ve been on the pitch otherwise. In this situation, it’s the right thing to do.

Chelsea played three left wing-backs today, with Ben Chilwell starting, then Reece James deputizing for ten minutes, before new signing Marc Cucurella finished out the match. Chelsea still have Emerson Palmieri on the team as well, so even if Alonso leaves, there is sufficient cover for the left wing back position.

Barcelona will be hoping to complete the transfer soon for what is expected to be a fee of under €10 million.