Barcelona manager Xavi is in ‘contact and regularly talks’ with Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta ahead of a move to the Nou Camp in the summer.
That’s according to Sport, who saying signing the Spaniard will be ‘very complicated’ for the Catalan giants following the sanctions against Roman Abramovich.
Azpilicueta is out of contract at Stamford Bridge in the summer, and despite Chelsea’s desire to keep him, it has been reported he would like to return to Spain.
Barcelona are keen to make that a reality and have been eyeing up a move for the defender for several months, with talks already taking place between both parties.
Chelsea still have a say in the matter, though, as they have a ‘mysterious unilateral clause’ that means they can extend Azpilicueta’s contract should they wish.
That leaves Azpilicueta free to negotiate with other clubs, and Sport say he is in ‘contact and regularly talks’ with Xavi over a move to the Nou Camp.
They know it will be ‘very complicated’ for them to sign the defender but are keen to do so as they continue their rebuild of the squad.
Free transfers for Frank Kessie and Andreas Christensen have already been wrapped up, and they want to add Azpilicueta to that list if they can.
Chelsea can scupper that if they can activate their clause, something they seemingly want to do, with it stated they are ‘playing their cards’ to ensure he stays in London.
That has not deterred Xavi or Barcelona chief Mateu Alemany, though, who are ‘not giving up’ their dream of securing his signature either.
