Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Sam Hill

Barcelona president drops Chelsea transfer hint over Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso deals

Barcelona remain hopeful of securing a deal for Chelsea defensive duo Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso this summer.

Thomas Tuchel made it clear that he wants Azpilicueta to remain at Stamford Bridge next season despite the Spaniard's desire to join Barca. football.london understands that the Blues are open to selling Alonso with the 31-year-old wanting to leave the club after six years.

Barcelona have won two battles in the transfer market against Chelsea so far, signing both Raphinha and Jules Kounde after the Blues had agreed fees with their respective clubs. The west Londoners have blocked any advances for Azpilicueta, but Barca president Joan Laporta has hinted at when the Catalan club could make a fresh approach for Chelsea's captain.

READ MORE: Thomas Tuchel sent 'integral' transfer message as Chelsea look to complete Wesley Fofana deal

In a recent interview, Laporta discussed Barcelona's transfer activity and hinted that the club could make more signings depending on when they can register the likes of Jules Kounde, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski. The Barcelona president said: "Depending on when we can register the new players, we will consider signing more players. We hope that there will be no problems, and we can sign someone."

Barca have already signed one former Chelsea defender in Andreas Christensen after the Denmark international's contract expired at Stamford Bridge. Tuchel is keen to block Azpilicueta's dream move to the Camp Nou this summer as the Blues continue to search for defensive reinforcements after missing out on Nathan Ake and Kounde.

Azpilicueta enters the final 12 months of his contract with the west Londoners and wants to start a new chapter in his career after a 12-year stay at Stamford Bridge. Tuchel admitted to being annoyed by Barcelona's pursuit of his club captain during the Blues' pre-season tour of America.

The German manager said: "It's tough because I am not sure if I want to give Azpi what he wants. At some point it is about what we want. I just made the comparison about how much we fought for [Kalidou] Koulibaly, who is a national team player and roughly the same age.

"He is a hugely important player for Napoli but we have a Spanish international who is the captain of Chelsea. I see him maybe at the same level but Barcelona don't see him on that level. So I am not sure if I want to give him what he wants as he is a huge player."

football.london understands Chelsea have held talks with Leicester City star Wesley Fofana's representatives earlier this week. It comes after the Blues suffered another blow in their hunt to add defensive reinforcements to Tuchel's squad after Antonio Rudiger and Christensen departed the club.

READ NEXT:

We 'signed' Milan Skriniar for Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel's side won the Premier League

Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from Stamford Bridge

Full Chelsea Premier League fixture list for 2022/23

Todd Boehly has a priceless Chelsea response to Jules Kounde and Raphinha transfer defeats

Chelsea agree Wesley Fofana terms amid Leicester transfer impasse as Jules Kounde claim made

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.