Barcelona pushing to sign 32-year-old Premier League defender – report

Following a morale-boosting 4-0 win over Real Madrid in El Clasico, Barcelona have well and truly announced their return following a period of mediocrity.

While the Blaugrana may not be able to win the league title this term, fans are excited to see what the team can offer next season under the stewardship of Xavi Hernandez, who is already planning ahead for the future and has targeted many players in the transfer market.

According to a report from Diario Sport, one of Barcelona’s top targets is Cesar Azpilicueta. The Spanish defender is facing an uncertain future at Chelsea following UK Government’s sanction on Roman Abramovich.

Chelsea are effectively barred from signing new players or holding contract talks with any of its existing stars. It has put them in a perilous situation with three key centre-backs having their contracts expire at the end of the season.

The report suggests Chelsea have failed to activate Azpilicueta’s unilateral renewal clause, which was based on playing a specific number of games.

They were sanctioned just before the club could activate the clause, leaving the Blues with no choice but to release Azpilicueta in the summer.

It has opened up an opportunity for Barcelona to snap up the 32-year-old on a free transfer, even though the Blaugrana are set to face stiff competition from league rivals Atletico Madrid.

Along with Azpilicueta, Barça are in contention to sign another Chelsea centre-back in the form of Andreas Christensen. Reports suggest the Dane remains determined to join Xavi’s setup next season and has rejected a better offer from Chelsea.

The two experienced centre-backs could significantly improve the overall quality of the Barcelona defence, as the club look to embark era under the tutelage of Xavi Hernandez.