Chelsea's improved bid for Alvaro Carreras falls short as Alonso pushes for reunion

Chelsea have had a £21 million bid for Real Madrid left-back Alvaro Carreras rejected, with manager Xabi Alonso pushing for a reunion with the player he previously worked with at the Bernabeu. The Blues are now said to have submitted a second, improved offer for the Spanish defender, according to multiple reports.

"Chelsea have had a £21 million bid for Real Madrid left-back Alvaro Carreras rejected."

mirror.co.ukChelsea's £21m bid for Real Madrid's Alvaro Carreras rejected as Xabi Alonso eyes reunion

The move comes as Chelsea look to fill the void left by Marc Cucurella's departure to Real Madrid. Alonso, who took over as Chelsea manager, had been keen for Cucurella to stay, but the Spain international's exit has forced the club into the market for a new left-back.

"Alonso is searching the summer transfer window market for a new left-back after Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid."

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Football365 reported that the second offer was a specific request from Alonso to Chelsea's ownership, BlueCo. The manager previously worked with Carreras during his time at Real Madrid, and the defender moved to the Bernabeu after impressing at Benfica. Carreras is understood to have a firm agreement in place with Chelsea, though no deal has been finalized yet.

Football365Chelsea submit ‘new offer’ for Spanish star who has firm agreement and is a specific request of Alonso

Chelsea's pursuit of Carreras underscores Alonso's desire to shape the squad in his image early in his tenure. Whether the improved bid will be enough to persuade Real Madrid to part with the defender remains to be seen, but the Blues appear determined to land their man this window.