Barcelona are reportedly hoping to land a pre-contract agreement for Chelsea duo Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta in the coming days.
The pair could leave Stamford Bridge on a free transfer in the summer, with both contracts expiring at the end of the season and little progress in a potential extension.
With less than six-months remaining on their current deals, they could also agree a pre-contract elsewhere, so long as it is a deal from another nation.
Barcelona fit that category, with the Blaugrana eyeing moves for a defender on a free transfer in the summer as they combat their financial turmoil according to Sport.
Azpilicueta, 32, will have spent 10 years at Stamford Bridge by the end of his contract, after joining the club from Marseille in 2012. The Spaniard has gone on to become the club captain, winning a total of eight trophies in his time wearing a blue shirt.
The report claims that a contract is all but agreed, with a three-year deal on the table for the versatile defender.
As for Christensen, 25, he has matured into a player that is key to Thomas Tuchel’s back three since he came in. Barcelona were said to be in talks a few weeks back, but froze those talks so they could look at alternatives.
However, the La Liga club has opened talks with the Denmark international again over a potential move, though there are said to be several other offers on the table.
Both players leaving could be a big blow to the Blues for next season, especially if fellow defender Antonio Rudiger also leaves as a free agent.
It would leave Tuchel with far fewer defensive options, potentially prompting a busy summer transfer window in a few months time.
