Chelsea are reportedly open to a four-player swap cope with Barcelona which might see Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso leave Stamford Bridge. The Spanish defenders have each been linked with the Catalan giants, with head coach Xavi said to have earmarked each as ‘priority objectives’ this summer.
Thomas Tuchel is about to face a serious defensive rebuild this summer, with Antonio Rudiger leaving at the top of his contract and agreeing a four-year cope with La Liga champions Real Madrid. Barcelona have already reportedly raided Chelsea for one defender within the upcoming window, with Denmark international Andreas Christensen said to be near signing on a free transfer.
Azpilicueta and Alonso have each been regular starters under Tuchel, but their respective contract statuses could leave the pair open to a summer exit. Blues captain Azpilicueta was also set to turn into a free agent, but a one-year extension has been triggered which suggests Barcelona can have to barter a deal for the 32-year-old.
Alonso has one 12 months left on his current contract, and there was no indication at this stage that the left wing-back will probably be offered a recent deal. The previous Bolton and Fiorentina defender was also reportedly involved in a bust-up with Tuchel after the recent 2-2 draw to Wolves, although this has since been denied.
Despite these potential hurdles, Spanish outlet Sport claim Barcelona have ‘total conviction’ an agreement will soon be reached for the transfers of each Alonso and Azpilicueta this summer. The veteran defenders can be offered a three-year deal and a two-year contract with the choice of a 3rd 12 months respectively.
The report goes on to stipulate that Chelsea have identified Sergino Dest as a possible makeweight in a summer deal. The USA international full-back signed from Ajax in 2020, but recent reports indicate the 21-year-old’s time on the club is probably going coming to an end.
Nevertheless, Barcelona are still said to value Dest in excess of £17m, potentially complicating a possible swap deal. Brazilian goalkeeper Neto has also been earmarked as a possible option for Chelsea in any summer deal.
Tuchel’s side have endured a dip in form in recent weeks, and a previously secure top-four spot has now come under threat ahead of Wednesday night’s clash with Leeds United. The Blues then face Liverpool at Wembley for the second time this season in Saturday’s FA Cup final.
