Chelsea ready to sell experienced star to Barcelona

Chelsea are prepared to finalise the transfer of Marcos Alonso to Barcelona next week, according to Sport.

The Spain international has been a mainstay for the Blues over the past six years with over 200 appearances to his name.

He has contributed over 50 goals and assists, but there has always been criticism over his average defensive qualities.

With a year left on his contract, he looks set to leave the club. Sport claims that Barcelona are on the verge of landing him.

Chelsea want a fee of around £8.6m for the Spaniard, but Barcelona are hoping to reduce the fee by including add-ons.

A meeting is scheduled next week, and there is optimism from both sides that the transfer deal will be completed soon.

Alonso has been eager to return to Spain for some time. He has been linked with Barcelona for a number of campaigns.

The Blues were not willing to sell him back then, but are now prepared to do so with Nathan Ake eyed as a replacement.