Barcelona are hoping that Chelsea will let Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta leave the club for a ‘very, very affordable price’, according to reports.
The pair are out of contract at Stamford Bridge in 2023 and there is a cloud of uncertainty over whether or not they will remain in the English capital beyond this summer, and now their futures are set to be decided in the coming weeks.
As reported by Marca, Barcelona, who are interested in the defensive duo, hope that Chelsea will allow the pair to leave for a ‘very, very affordable price’ as Xavi Hernandez eyes reinforcements at the back.
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Recent reports suggested that the pair would meet with the new owners to discuss their futures, and now Marca state that they are set to meet the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital ownership ‘in the coming hours’ to resolve their respective situations.
It is unclear as to when this will be resolved, with the Spaniards on international duty at the UEFA Nations League before being set to go on their holidays ahead of a return to Cobham next month for pre-season.
Barcelona’s financial situation remains uncertain as they hope to get the duo for an affordable price, rather than pay over their valuation as Azpilicueta and Alonso have just a year left on their Chelsea contracts.
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Should Azpilicueta leave Chelsea in the summer transfer window he will have made 476 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 17 goals and assisting a further 56 from defence, with his final appearances coming against Watford.
Alonso, on the other hand, has made 212 appearances for the Blues, scoring 29 goals and registering 23 assists during his time in London.
The wing-back has recently admitted that he dreams of playing in his native country, having come through the Real Madrid academy.
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He said: “I would love to play in La Liga, all my life I have wanted to play and be here in Spain, but the circumstances have been different and not everything has depended on me.
"At the moment I am focused on this season and what has to be, will be."
Chelsea will most likely enter a market for a replacement for Azpilicueta if he is to depart, with Emerson Palmieri set to return and replace Alonso next season after his loan spell at Lyon came to an end.
It is believed that Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel wants to give the Italian a chance next season, having previously worked together before his spell in France.
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The Italian has provided an update on his future recently, admitting: “I didn’t speak with Thomas Tuchel just yet. have a contract with Chelsea. I played there for three seasons and I have a lot of friends there and if I come back, I'll be happy. It's a good place and club for me. I don’t know (whether I will return), let’s see what can happen.”
Topics: Barcelona, Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea, Football, Marcos Alonso, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours
Nick Emms