Chelsea signs left-back Marcos Alonso from Fiorentina
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Antonio Conte has finally signed a much-needed defender.
Chelsea confirmed the capture of Spanish left-back Marcos Alonso from Serie A side Fiorentina on deadline day, the 25-year-old inking a five-year deal to make a return to the Premier League.
(Courtesy: Chelsea)
"I’m very happy. It’s a step up in my career and I think this is the perfect place for me to continue developing. It’s time for me to win some titles," Alonso said of the move to Stamford Bridge.
"It was an easy decision for me to make when I heard the club were interested in signing me. My family and close friends know Chelsea is the club I have dreamed about playing for so I’m really excited about the challenge and I'm looking forward to working with my new teammates."
The rangy full-back, who spent three seasons with Bolton earlier in his career - two of those in the Premier League - was a stalwart down the left flank for Fiorentina, developing into one of the best two-way full-backs in Italy's top flight.
His arrival is expected to be one of Chelsea's two high-priced defensive signings on the final day of the summer window, as David Luiz is slated to make a shock move back to Stamford Bridge.
Related - Report: Chelsea in talks to re-sign David Luiz; PSG wants £38M
Alonso's arrival could see Branislav Ivanovic relegated to the bench, with Cesar Azpilicueta switching back to the right side of defense.