Chelsea veterans Cesar Azpilicueta and N’Golo Kante are no longer on Barcelona’s radar ahead of a defensive revamp in the summer.
According to reputed Spanish journalist Toni Juanmarti, Barcelona will not pursue N’Golo Kante and Cesar Azpilicueta in the summer transfer window. The Chelsea veterans are no longer on their radar. Meanwhile, the Catalan giants do not consider Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as a priority target.
Cesar Azpilicueta has been with Chelsea for over a decade while being an asset for all his managers. The Spanish international rose to prominence at Stamford Bridge as a left-back. But he has been a dependable performer for Chelsea in every position in the backline while rising to the role of club captaincy a few years ago.
Like Azpilicueta, N’Golo Kante has been a revelation at Chelsea, performing at an elite level in the last seven years. And despite his fitness issues in the last two seasons, the veteran midfielder remains an asset for the Blues. But recent reports have linked the Frenchman and Azpilicueta with Barcelona.
Barcelona will delve into the market for a defensive midfielder and a right-back this summer. The Catalan giants have struggled to find Dani Alves’s heir for several years and want to find a solution to the issue. Several right-backs have thus emerged on their radar, with Azpilicueta also an option.
The Blaugrana also attempted to sign the Chelsea captain last summer, but a move did not materialise. Meanwhile, the Blues are ready to part ways with the Spaniard after extending his deal last year. As for Kante, the Premier League heavyweights want to extend his contract amid his links with Barcelona.
Recent reports have claimed that the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner will soon sign a new contract with Chelsea. And the West London club’s prospects have improved, with Barcelona cooling the interest in Kante. In addition, the Catalan giants are no longer pursuing Azpilicueta. And at the same time, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is not a priority target for Barcelona.
The former Arsenal captain remains on Barcelona’s shortlist for the summer transfer window. But the Blaugrana will prioritise signing other strikers before moving to the Chelsea misfit. As for Kante and Azpilicueta, the former will likely pen a renewal with Chelsea, while the latter might leave.
