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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Victor

Barcelona plot double Chelsea transfer raid 'in coming days' ahead of next season

The end of the January transfer window hasn't been enough to stop Barcelona eyeing up further signings, and the Catalan club have their sights on two more recruits from the Premier League.

Xavi's side looked to England for two of their mid-season recruits, signing Adama Traore on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers and picking up former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on a free transfer, though a Premier League move for Barca's Ousmane Dembele failed to materialise.

They also spent big to sign Ferran Torres from Manchester City at the start of the window, but reports on the continent suggest they have some free transfers in their sights.

Chelsea defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen are among those who are free to talk to potential suitors over a summer move, and both could find themselves playing at Camp Nou next season.

Should Chelsea fight to keep Azpilicueta and Christensen? Have your say in the comments section

Azpilcueta has been at Chelsea since 2012 (Action Images via Reuters)

Both defenders have been at Stamford Bridge for a number of years, with Azpilicueta closing in on a decade since moving permanently from Marseille and Christensen also approaching 10 years with the Blues after initially joining as a teenager.

However, both are free to agree pre-contract terms with other clubs, as is fellow defender Antonio Rudiger.

According to Sport, Barca director of football Jordi Cruyff is working on new deals and the club are keen to wrap up moves for both Christensen and Azpilicueta in the coming days.

The reports claim a three-year deal for Azpilicueta, who will turn 33 in August, is "basically agreed".

However, Denmark international Christensen is understood to have other options on the table, though Barca are said to have made an offer.

And Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is reportedly pushing for funds to sign a new centre-back amid contract worries over the current crop, though Thiago Silva has extended his deal in west London.

Rudiger, meanwhile, is still thought to be open to prolonging his stay at Stamford Bridge despite snubbing the Blues' most recent contract offer.

The former Roma defender has been linked with Real Madrid, among other clubs, but has yet to reach a financial agreement with Chelsea after demonstrating his worth to the first team since Tuchel took over as manager.

Barcelona have reportedly made an offer to Christensen (REUTERS)

Barcelona's involvement in next season's Champions League continues to hang in the balance, though they will hope their January business helps them secure a top-four finish.

Philippe Coutinho was one of the higher-profile mid-season departures, joining Aston Villa on loan, but the additions to the squad have helped their squad look healthier for the second half of the campaign.

Xavi's side are in the Europa League after finishing third in their Champions League group, with Napoli awaiting in the play-off round, while they still have a chance to secure Champions League qualification through their league position.

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