Barcelona have agreed on personal terms with Chelsea captain and Spanish international defender Cesar Azpilicueta.
The versatile defender, who is being lined up to replace Dani Alves at right-back, has entered the final year of his contract with Chelsea. And, it has been previously reported that the 32-year-old wishes to return to Spain this summer, with a move to Barcelona appealing to him.
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Now, journalist Alex Pintanel is reporting that Barça already have an agreement with Azpilicueta over personal terms. However, the Catalan giants are yet to finalise an agreement with Chelsea for the Spaniard’s transfer.
Although Sergio Dest is most likely to remain at Camp Nou, Xavi Hernandez won’t have enough right-back players to cover for Alves’ departure and the upcoming sale of Oscar Mingueza.
Due to his wealth of knowledge and expertise as well as his versatility on the backline, Azpilicueta, a Chelsea veteran who has distinguished himself by leading the club to great heights, would be a valuable addition.
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A deal with the Spanish international is a step in the right way, but Barcelona and Chelsea must agree on a transfer fee before the transaction can move further.
Alex Pintanel goes on to add that Barcelona find themselves in a similar situation with Azpilicueta’s Chelsea teammate and compatriot Marcos Alonso, who is also a target for the Catalans and is in the final 12 months of his deal.