Chelsea man ‘number one’ target for club – Player’s desire is to leave Blues this summer

Three days ago, Mundo Deportivo reported Chelsea’s César Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso are both ‘seduced by the idea’ of playing for Barcelona.

It was also explained the west London club are posing a ‘problem’ for the La Liga side to sign the duo.

Friday’s edition of the same newspaper says the Chelsea player is the ‘number one’ target for Xavi Hernández’s side to strengthen their left-back position. Jordi Alba is currently the only experienced and recognised player currently in that position at the Camp Nou.

Mundo Deportivo now state the Catalan club have been ‘working’ to sign the ex-Fiorentina man ‘since the first quarter’ of this season. The defender’s contract expires in 2023. His will, according to the report, is to leave Stamford Bridge and make a switch to the Camp Nou after this season.

Last month, Alonso opened the door for a transfer after admitting he “would love to play in La Liga”. Mundo explain that during March’s international break, the 31-year-old told his ‘most direct environment’ about his ‘preference’ to play for Barca.

Chelsea, for their part, have been aware of the fullback’s desire to join Barca since he turned 30 years of age. Alonso, meanwhile, is now waiting to find out who will be the club’s new owners.

After spending six years at Chelsea, Mundo add the Spaniard is ‘justified in pressing and asking for an exit’.

If Alonso were to leave Thomas Tuchel’s side, his signing won’t be ‘very costly’ for Barcelona.

Should Xavi’s side fail to land Alonso, then they will shift their focus to Celta Vigo’s Javi Galán.