Barcelona will soon initiate discussions with Chelsea over a possible move for wantaway defensive duo Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso.
According to a report by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, the completion of Chelsea’s takeover has given Barcelona the impetus to launch the offensive for Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso. The Catalan giants are poised to approach the Blues to discuss moves for the two Spanish defenders.
Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso have experienced tremendous success since joining Chelsea. Azpilicueta has been at the west London club for nearly a decade, while Alonso moved to Stamford Bridge almost six years ago. The players have won several trophies during their respective stints, including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup.
Azpilicueta has made over 450 appearances for Chelsea, while Alonso has been fairly regular during his stint. But the two Spanish defenders will see their contracts running out next year, and they are ready to leave Chelsea in the summer transfer window. Such a situation has captured the attention of Barcelona.
Barcelona had hoped to sign Azpilicueta in a Bosman move before Chelsea triggered a one-year contract extension option in his contract. But Azpilicueta is reportedly keen on joining Barcelona, with recent reports claiming that the two parties have reached an agreement over a two-year deal.
On the other hand, Alonso, like Azpilicueta, wants to join Barcelona. The Spaniard recently expressed his desire to return to Spain, and Chelsea will not be opposed to selling him in the summer transfer window. That might not necessarily be the Blues’ stance in Azpilicueta’s case.
But the wantaway defensive duo could be closing in on moving to Barcelona. The Catalan giants are ready to initiate talks with Chelsea over moves for Azpilicueta and Alonso now that the Blues’ proposed takeover has finally seen the light of day.
A new era may be on the horizon for Chelsea, but they might head into it without some of their resident defenders. Andreas Christensen is reportedly on the verge of joining Barcelona, while Antonio Rudiger will soon complete a Bosman move to Real Madrid. Azpilicueta and Alonso could also head out of the exit door at Stamford Bridge, with Barcelona looking to land them.