Chelsea is running background checks on Real Madrid left-back Alvaro Carreras, a 23-year-old defender who played under Xabi Alonso before the Spaniard took the reins at Stamford Bridge. No formal bid has been submitted, but the interest is real, and it fits a pattern that’s becoming increasingly familiar with this Chelsea regime: follow the coach’s rolodex.

Carreras only arrived at Real Madrid in July 2025, joining from Benfica in a deal worth around €50 million. His contract at the Bernabeu runs through June 2031, which means prying him away won’t come cheap. But Chelsea appears willing to at least explore the conversation, especially given the broader negotiations already taking place between the two clubs.

The Alonso factor

Xabi Alonso managed Carreras at Real Madrid before departing for Chelsea, and he was apparently quite fond of the left-back’s skillset. Alonso publicly praised Carreras as a “very complete” player after the club signed him from Benfica.

Reports from May 2026 indicated that Alonso identified both Carreras and Arda Guler as transfer targets for Chelsea. That suggests this isn’t a scouting department whim. It’s a head coach who knows exactly what he wants in his defensive setup and is asking the club to go get it.

Carreras, born March 23, 2003, fits the profile Chelsea has been chasing for years now. Young, technically proficient, and with room to grow into a long-term asset.

What the deal might look like

The most interesting wrinkle in all of this is how Chelsea might structure a deal. Reports have linked the discussions to a potential player swap involving midfielder Enzo Fernandez. Both clubs are apparently looking to strengthen their squads, and a swap arrangement could lower the cash outlay required on either side.

Real Madrid’s negotiating position is strong. Carreras has five years remaining on his contract, giving the Spanish club zero urgency to sell. Chelsea would likely need to present an offer that either meets Madrid’s valuation outright or includes a player Madrid genuinely wants.

What this means for Chelsea’s squad planning

The €50 million that Real Madrid paid Benfica just a year ago sets a rough floor for any transfer fee. It’s unlikely Madrid would accept less than what they invested, and a premium on top of that base price is standard for a player under long-term contract at one of the world’s biggest clubs.