Chelsea duo Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta are hoping to become Barcelona players in the next week, according to reports in Spain.
Barcelona have been heavily linked with a move for the pair since earlier in the season.
Xavi’s side looked to sign Azpilicueta on a free transfer, but an automatic extension in his Chelsea deal ended any potential move.
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Alonso, on the other hand, was targeted as cover for Jordi Alba as they look to secure his services for a ‘very affordable price’.
The most recent reports stated that Barcelona are still keen on the Chelsea defenders, willing to hand the Blues a triple blow in the transfer window.
The Catalan side are also looking to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, who has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in recent summers.
While Thomas Tuchel remains keen to keep his captain, Azpilicueta, this summer, he could be open to a move.
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"He deserves it," admitted the Blues boss on Azpilicueta deciding his own future. "And I listen to my captain. He has been at this club for more than a decade, so he has this right. This is my opinion.
"He is everything Chelsea is about, and I am so, so happy he is the captain because he is humble, hard-working, a nice guy and a polite guy.
"I am happy that in football, it's possible a guy like this can win all the trophies. That sets the example. It sets the tone. It sets the atmosphere at a very high level.
"Given the fact we lose already key defenders, it's not the ideal scenario to think about losing Azpi, even if I can understand his personal point of view.
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"If you are a legend, which he is, you deserve maybe also from me and the club a second look at it, is there may be an exception from the rule. We are still in this process."
Alonso could also depart, publicly admitting his desire to play in La Liga earlier this month.
He said: "On paper, I have a contract for one more year and that is where we’re at today. I’ve already said that I would like to play in Spain again, but it doesn’t depend entirely on me.
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“I can’t complain about anything at Chelsea, but the desire to play in Spain is there. It doesn’t depend entirely on me and I’m happy at Chelsea, honestly.”
And now Spanish outlet Sport have reported that the pair hope to be named as Barcelona players as early as next week.
Barcelona look set to sell Frenkie De Jong to Manchester United this summer, easing their financial concerns.
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This means that they could make a move for the Chelsea defenders sooner rather than later.
The report states that both Alonso and Azpilicueta hope to be Barcelona players next week, having already made agreements with the club.
They have waited patiently for weeks and with Barcelona finally solving their financial situation, the La Liga side will try and close the signings of the pair.
However, it will not be easy as Chelsea value them at €13 million each, a figure that Barcelona are unwilling to pay.
It remains to be seen as to whether they will link up in Barcelona this summer, but it looks like Xavi’s side are set to up their pursuit for the Spanish defenders.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Barcelona, Marcos Alonso, Cesar Azpilicueta, Football, Transfers
Nick Emms