Chelsea fear Marcos Alonso’s performances have dropped because he was given a new long-term deal last year, reports say.
Alonso has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea under Frank Lampard, with Emerson Palmieri and natural right-back Cesar Azpilicueta ahead of him at left-back.
Lampard is eager to strengthen at left-back and the Athletic claim figures in Chelsea’s camp are concerned Alonso’s sudden drop off in form was a result of his new contract in October 2018.
The deal secured Alonso’s future at Chelsea until 2023 and is worth £100,000-a-week.
The suggestion is Alonso’s motivation has been diminished since he was given the improved contract.
Alonso was dropped from Lampard’s starting eleven after he was substituted at half-time in a 4-4 draw Ajax and has failed to make the squad for Chelsea’s last three Premier League matches.
‘I have selection choices in different positions. We need a squad,’ Lampard said of Alonso’s exclusion from the squad.
‘Some players will be disappointed. But we need everyone.’
Lampard has relied mostly on Emerson at left-back this season, but the Blues coach has not always been happy with the Brazilian’s performances.
While Chelsea are currently barred from signing any new players, efforts to research targets continues behind the scenes.
Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell is Lampard’s first choice, but Valencia’s Jose Gaya and Nice’s Youcef Atal are also options at left-back.
Lampard revealed Chelsea will find out the result of the transfer ban appeal in the next week.
‘Very soon, I believe. Days, I think,’ Lampard replied when asked about the appeal decision.
‘I haven’t heard any more, so I would wait and reserve judgement [on Chelsea’s plans for January] until we get the judgement and see where we want to go from there.’
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