Contact initiated on Barcelona and Chelsea summer transfer, perhaps unrealistic

 

Barcelona really need to sign a right back during the summer transfer window, and for quite some time the man presented as favourite for the role has been Hector Bellerin. With Arsenal understandably not keen on a sale, Barcelona are looking at alternatives, and one of those is César Azpilicueta.

Chelsea fans may think it strange that Barcelona feel Azpilicueta would be any easier to sign than Bellerin. Excellent for Chelsea this season in a three/five at the back formation, Azpilicueta also found a big fan in Jose Mourinho. The former Chelsea manager once said he’d like a team full of Azpilicuetas, such is the Spaniard’s character.

Outline talks have started, with Marca saying Barcelona have contacted Azpilicueta’s entourage to inform them of the interest. There’s no explanation of where things have advanced from there, but it certainly doesn’t seem like Azpilicueta is pushing for a move.

Chelsea have Azpilicueta on a contract until June 2020, one that was only extended last year. It’s got to be considered just as unlikely that Chelsea would sell Azpilicueta as it is that Arsenal would sell Bellerin.

This could well be Marca winding up their Catalan cousins, taking Barcelona from one difficult target to another.