Barcelona rule out the signing of Chelsea defender: Fabrizio Romano

Fabrizio Romano has recently tweeted out an update on Barcelona’s search for defensive reinforcements this summer.

The Catalans have been linked with all three of Chelsea’s key defenders in Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger, and Cesar Azpilicueta.

While many expect Christensen to join the Barça camp next season after signing a €6 million per season deal, the links with Rudiger have intensified in recent weeks, with the club reportedly in secret negotiation with the player’s agents.

Fabrizio Romano, though, has poured water over Barcelona’s hopes of signing Rudiger, as he states that the club have only held talks with the player’s representatives and have yet to launch an official bid.

It is now very unlikely that Barça will be able to complete the capture of Rudiger. The reputed Italian journalist does, however, guarantee the arrival of Christensen, who should greatly revamp the team’s overall depth in defence.

In addition to the arrival of the Danish international, Romano believes Barcelona are on the verge of sealing a contract extension for Ronald Araujo.

There were a few discrepancies over the club’s willingness to hand more lucrative contracts to new signings such as Christensen and Kessie, but it appears the defender is keen on prolonging his stay at Camp Nou, thanks to his healthy relationship with Xavi.

The Uruguayan international was also urged to remain at Barça by former star Luis Suarez, who believes Camp Nou could be an ideal place for the defender’s development in the years to come.

Barcelona have even hinted at Araujo’s renewal by posting a recent video on Twitter.

The addition of Christensen, coupled with the extension of Araujo, could breed new life to the Barcelona defence next season, as the club embark on a new era under the leadership of Xavi Hernandez.