Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso has asked to leave the club, 90min understands, though he has stopped short of submitting a formal transfer request.
Although it has been something of a rollercoaster at times, Alonso has spent six trophy-laden years at Stamford Bridge - shining brightest under the tutelage of Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel who both favour a wing-back system.
However, while he has flirted with a move on numerous occasions in recent years, it seems Alonso is finally heading for the exit door.
Sources have told 90min that although he has not formally requested a transfer, the Spain international has asked to leave Chelsea. Barcelona are interested in the 31-year-old, who can operate on the left of a flat back four or as a wing-back.
The Blaugrana will wait to see what Chelsea demand by way of a transfer fee as they do not want to pay over the odds for a player who is out of contract in a year, but there is a confidence that a deal can be done.
Alonso would risk tumbling down the pecking order in west London if he were to stick around for the final year of his contract.
Ben Chilwell made his return from a serious knee injury in the final day victory over Watford on Sunday, and 90min understands that Emerson Palmieri - who has impressed on loan at Lyon this season - will be welcomed back to the club to provide depth and competition to Chilwell on the left side of defence.
Listen now to 90min's Chelsea podcast Wherever You May Be, hosted by Olivia Buzaglo. Each week, Olivia and guests Krishan Davis & Anita Abayomi talk all things blue. In our latest episode, the team discuss Antonio Rudiger's departure, Chelsea's recent form and Reece James.
Head coach Tuchel has received glowing reports on the Italy international from Chelsea's loan team, and the player himself is keen to return to his parent club and stake his claim for a starting berth. Chelsea had attempted to recall Emerson in January following Chiwell's injury a month prior, but were unsuccessful.
Chilwell has only just returned to the fray following surgery on a damaged ACL, and therefore it may be some time before he is fully match fit with pre-season now upon us.
For more from Krishan Davis, follow him on Twitter.
Source : 90min