Barcelona ‘line up deals for Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen’
Barcelona are interested in signing Chelsea duo Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen, according to reports.
The Blues defenders could both be available on free transfers next summer with their contracts expiring at the end of the season.
With the Catalans embroiled in financial ruin, due to their debt which stands at more than £1billion, the club were forced to resort to the free agent market with the signings of Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia this summer.
Barcelona are lining up a move for Andreas Christensen (left) and Cesar Azpilicueta (right)
The Chelsea duo are key Blues members but their contracts expire at the end of the season
The Blaugrana will likely have to repeat their dip in the bargain bin next year and have identified Azpilicueta and Christensen as possible freebies, according to reports from The Sun.
But the LaLiga giants’ plans could stall before they ever get going.
Both defenders are key members of Thomas Tuchel’s squad and the club could make a move to tie them down with the offer of new contracts before the end of the season.
The Catalans signed Memphis Depay (left) and Sergio Aguero (right) on free transfers
Azpilicueta is Chelsea’s current captain and whether he is playing in central defence or as a wing-back to cover the injured Reece James, he remains a pivotal cog in the German’s side.
Equally, Christensen is a key member of the squad whose importance could increase as Antonio Rudiger’s future remains uncertain amid links to Real Madrid.
Following the transfer speculation, Chelsea are said to be preparing to offer the 25-year-old a new long-term deal.
Chelsea will be keen to tie Christensen down over Antonio Rudiger’s (above) uncertain future
The Dane is reportedly willing to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge with the club prepared to meet his demands of £120,000 per week.
Chelsea made no secret of their desire to bolster their defensive ranks as they eyed a move fro Sevilla’s Jules Kounde this summer.
But as a deal failed to materialise before the transfer window slammed shut, the Blues will be keen to hold on to their current backline options until reinforcements are guaranteed.
