Premier League giants Chelsea are reportedly open to selling Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso if they can get a Barcelona player in return.
According to a report by Spanish publication SPORT, Chelsea will have no qualms about selling Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso if the duo’s departure is as part of a swap deal in the summer transfer window. Barcelona defender Sergino Dest and out-of-favour goalkeeper Neto are two players who could enter the operation.
Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso have been two of the most successful Spanish players ever at Chelsea, with the duo winning numerous trophies during their respective stints at Stamford Bridge. Azpilicueta is nearing the completion of a decade at the west London club, while Alonso has been with Chelsea for almost six years.
While Azpilicueta has turned out over 450 times for Chelsea, Alonso has been fairly regular during his spell at Stamford Bridge. But the two Spanish defenders will see their respective contracts run out next year, putting Chelsea in a spot of bother over their long-term futures.
Chelsea might be open to selling Alonso before replacing him with a new left-back. But Azpilicueta’s departure will hit them hard, considering Antonio Rudiger is on the verge of joining Real Madrid, whereas Andreas Christensen has reached a verbal agreement to join Barcelona. Barcelona could also prise the Spanish duo away from Chelsea.
According to recent reports, Barcelona will soon open talks with Chelsea to sign the Spanish defensive duo now that the Blues’ proposed takeover is finally going through. Alonso could be a handy addition to the first-team squad, with Jordi Alba having no competition or backup.
On the other hand, Azpilicueta’s arrival could pave the way for the departure of either Sergino Dest or Dani Alves, with both right-backs having their Barcelona futures up in the air. And Dest could enter the operation to sign Azpilicueta and Alonso, as Chelsea might demand a Barcelona player in a swap deal to sell the Spanish defensive duo.
Azpilicueta and Alonso are keen on joining Barcelona, and with Chelsea opening up to the possibility of selling them, a move to Camp Nou could soon see the light of day. Dest or Neto could be a part of the operation, but it will be interesting to see if any Barcelona player occupies the Blues’ fancy.