César Azpilicueta is out of contract at Chelsea at the end of the current season and the Blues retain an option to unilaterally extend his deal by a further 12 months.
The UK government have imposed sanctions on the west London club and as it stands, they cannot offer renewals or bring in new players to the club.
Azpilicueta, who is currently with Spain, is on Barcelona’s radar. Wednesday’s edition of Mundo Deportivo explains they continue to target him despite Thomas Tuchel’s side having an option to renew the defender’s contract until 2023.
The ‘door is wide open’ for the 32-year-old to arrive at the Camp Nou and this possibility is in ‘no way ruled out’ by Xavi Hernández’s side, who are waiting to see how Chelsea’s delicate situation will be resolved.
Roman Abramovich is in the process of selling the Premier League side and potential new owners already placed their bids last Friday. Marina Granovskaia, the current director at Stamford Bridge, has ‘no power of action’, given the present circumstances.
The Blaugrana have ‘already moved diligently months ago’ to sign the Spain international. He is aware of Barcelona’s sporting project and Xavi’s plans for him as the La Liga side’s manager has already held talks with the Chelsea captain.
Despite Barca’s interest, Azpilicueta is ‘still fully involved’ with the Champions League winners.
The Spanish giants, meanwhile, are waiting to find out who they should negotiate with at Chelsea, most likely if they were to extend Azpilicueta’s contract by a year.
