Barcelona have completed two summer signings, but face problems with third one

If not for any last surprise, Barcelona are well on their way to complete deals for Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie from Chelsea and Milan, respectively.

As quoted by Spanish news outlet MARCA, credit to the club management for their swift operation that both Christensen and Kessie ‘will be Barça players next year’. What makes these two names even more special is apart from their obvious quality, they are set to arrive on a free transfer as both are out of contract by the end of the current season.

Barcelona, like the rest of the suitors, were aware of the contract situation and were in constant contact with the players’ entourages in recent months.

As for the players, while they know they have attracted interest from elsewhere too, they are particularly inclined on donning the Blaugrana blue due to both economic and sporting reasons.

Christensen has already passed his Barça medical according to reports. And so, barring any last-minute twist, one can rightly expect Barcelona to close the deal in coming weeks.

But while these two deals have been rather untroubled and pretty much straightforward so far, the team management is finding it hard to strike a deal with the current Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta. 

Like the aforementioned duo, Azpilicueta, too, is out of contract at the end of the season, and if it were up to him and Barcelona, the agreement would have been signed a long time ago since he is free to listen to offers from teams outside of England.

However, despite the player’s wish to play for Barcelona, a unilateral option to renew that Chelsea have all rights to exercise is proving out to be a big block.

As quoted by MARCA, if Chelsea do exercise this clause, they can tie the versatile defender for two years, and he will have to continue at Stamford Bridge.

But the thing in Barcelona’s favour is Chelsea’s policy regarding players above 30 years of age. As it’s been in the past, the Blues usually refrain themselves from offering a contract over one year for the ageing players, and at 32, Azpilicueta does come under that category.

Never say never, though, since the team has the right to execute the agreement, and it’s about time before anything happens.