Barcelona are looking to sign Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta as they look to back new manager Xavi Hernandez with new signings.
That’s according to ESPN, who claim that Xavi is particularly keen on bringing Azpilicueta to the Camp Nou.
Xavi is understood to value how Azpilicueta can play at right back in a four or centre back in a three.
That would aid Xavi’s tactical flexibility, with few in the current Barcelona squad having Azpilicueta’s versatility.
Barcelona’s financial situation remains a problem, meaning Azpilicueta is seen as a bargain signing for 2022.
The 32-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and could walk away from his £150,000-a-week deal at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are still in talks with Azpilicueta but no deal has been reached and time is running out.
Azpilicueta has been with Chelsea for for almost 10 years now having joined from Marseille in 2012.
With almost 450 appearances for the club and with the prestige of being current Blues captain, Azpilicueta will go down as a Chelsea legend.
He does though have to think about himself, and with Reece James the clear star at right wing back and a host of centre back options, Azpilicueta may find regular playing time a little tricky moving forward.
If Barcelona can offer him an important role, a return to Spain could become very appealing to Azpilicueta as Chelsea risk losing their veteran defender.
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