Marcos Alonso has suggested he may consider a move away from Chelsea in the close season despite insisting he is happy at Stamford Bridge.

Alonso signed a new five-year contract only last October, but has struggled for form under coach Maurizio Sarri and reports in Spain have linked him with a return to Real Madrid.

The 28-year-old began his career at the Bernabeu, although made only one appearance for the senior side before joining Bolton in 2010.

Alonso is facing a nervous wait to see if he will start for Chelsea in the Europa League Final against Arsenal next Wednesday.

Emerson has been picked ahead of him regularly lately, including in both legs of the semi-final win over Eintracht Frankfurt.

When asked by Standard Sport if he is definitely staying at Chelsea in light of Real Madrid’s interest, Alonso replied: “I am very happy here but we will see what happens this summer.

“There is always talk (like this). Is it a compliment? Yes. It means I’m doing well if other teams are trying to get in touch.

“But first of all I’m focussing on the final. I am very happy to have four more years here and hopefully I will stay many more years here.”

Alonso was a key member of Antonio Conte’s Chelsea side that won the Premier League in 2017 and the FA Cup last year.

But he has found things more difficult under Sarri, who moved away from Conte’s 3-4-3 formation to a 4-3-3 system. It meant Alonso has been employed as an orthodox left-back this term rather than a left wing-back.

His performances have made him a target for criticism from Chelsea supporters, but he explains that Sarri’s decision to change the nature of his role during the course of the campaign has been a factor in any downturn.

He added: ”For me personally, the path changed. I started very well, then the manager wanted different things from me.

“After that I was trying to do what he wanted and then he told me he wanted to play like I was at the beginning of the season. So maybe that has conditioned a little bit the way of my game.

“I think I’m settled now. I am very happy at Chelsea and looking forward to finish the season with a win and a cup.

“Has the criticism from the fans affected me? No. Football is like this.

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"The better team you play for, the more fans follow you and there are millions of coaches and managers around the world! Some of them understand football one way, some of them has another opinion.

“I am the best to judge when I play well and when I don’t. Of course during the season you play some bad games, but it’s been a good campaign.

“I’m always looking for more, looking to improve and get better. That’s something inside me, I know I have to work for it.

“I don’t really care about the critics or when people talk good (about me). It can’t affect you. I’m the one to trust myself and to look for more. I had a good season and hopefully the next one will be even better.”