Chelsea have left out Marcos Alonso from their squad for today's friendly against Arsenal.

The Daily Express says Alonso was left out of Chelsea's squad to face Arsenal in their latest pre-season friendly this afternoon amid speculation he could be used in a potential swap deal for Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde.

The Blues are currently in talks to sign the Frenchman but they are yet to strike a deal with the La Liga outfit for the 22-year-old.

Kounde was left on the bench for Sevilla's latest friendly against Roma yesterday.

Reports in Spain claim the decision was linked to his future and a potential move to Chelsea.

It's believed that Sevilla did not want Kounde to get injured in case it put the transfer at risk.

Chelsea are said to have offered Sevilla both Emerson Palmieri and Kurt Zouma during talks with Sevilla.

There was a fresh twist this afternoon, as left-wing-back Alonso was left out of the Chelsea squad to face Arsenal.