On May 3rd, Mundo Deportivo reported Chelsea’s César Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso are both ‘seduced by the idea’ of making a switch to Barcelona in the summer.
The Blues duo are on the front page of today’s Sport, with ‘negotiation final’ written in bold. Within the report, it’s stated the La Liga side are holding talks to ‘close’ the signing of the two fullbacks.
Both the players have contracts expiring in 2023 and Chelsea want compensation to let them leave Stamford Bridge after this season. The west London club are also ‘willing to talk about a player swap deal without money involved’.
Earlier this month, the Premier League side confirmed they’re set to get new owners, and this has had no impact on Marina Granovskaia’s position at Stamford Bridge. Sport state she is leading the negotiations with the Catalan club.
Although Granovskaia wants money to let both Azpilicueta and Alonso leave, Chelsea are analysing possible exchange deals with Barca. This is where Sergiño Dest comes into the picture as Thomas Tuchel’s side are ‘very interested’ in him.
It’s claimed Tuchel wanted the former Ajax man last summer, but on a loan deal. The FIFA Club World Cup winners are given a new opportunity in the next window, provided they find an agreement with the American. Dest, for now, prioritises staying at the Camp Nou.
Barca chiefs Mateu Alemany already made a trip to London to hold talks with Granovskaia over a deal between the two clubs.
Xavi’s side remain convinced of securing deals for Azpilicueta and Alonso. It now remains to be seen whether or not Dest, valued at €20m, would be part of the deal. Apart from him, Chelsea would also be willing to talk about Barca goalkeeper Neto.
