Barcelona and Chelsea to agree deal for the signing of two world-class players
La Liga giants, Barcelona and Chelsea could agree deal for the transfer of two highly rated and world-class players which could be completed in summer.
Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea could leave on a free transfer when their contracts expire in the summer, with Barcelona being mentioned as a possible destination.
Barcelona is allegedly hoping to sign Chelsea duo Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta to pre-contract agreements in the coming days.
With both contracts expiring at the end of the season and little movement in a prospective renewal, the pair could depart Stamford Bridge on a free transfer in the summer.
With less than six months left on their existing contracts, players might agree to a pre-contract somewhere, as long as it is with a different country.
Barcelona falls into this category, with Sport reporting that the Blaugrana are looking to sign a defender on a free transfer in the summer to help them deal with their financial woes.
After joining the club from Marseille in 2012, Azpilicueta, 32, will have spent ten years at Stamford Bridge when his contract expires. The Spaniard went on to become the club’s captain, winning eight trophies during his time in the blue shirt.
According to the source, the versatile defender’s contract is almost finalized, with a three-year deal on the table.
Since his arrival, Christensen, 25, has developed into a key member of Thomas Tuchel’s back three. Barcelona were said to be in talks a few weeks ago, but they were put on hold while they looked into other options.
However, the La Liga club has reopened talks with the Denmark international about a possible transfer, despite the fact that numerous other offers are thought to be on the table.
Both players’ departures may be a major blow to the Blues’ season-long plans, especially if fellow defender Antonio Rudiger also departs on a free agency basis.
Tuchel would be left with significantly fewer defensive alternatives, which might lead to a frantic summer transfer window in the coming months.