Barcelona ‘closer than ever’ to landing Chelsea defender

La Liga giants Barcelona are closing on the signing of another member of Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea backline, according to reports.

The efforts of the Blaugrana to reinforce the club’s defensive ranks ahead of next season have of course already led them to secure the services of one Blues stopper, in the form of Andreas Christensen.

Danish international Christensen was unveiled as the latest addition to Xavi Hernandez’s first-team setup on Thursday afternoon, putting pen to paper on a long-term contract on the back of the expiration of his terms at Stamford Bridge.

And, as alluded to above, the 26-year-old could soon be joined by a 2nd Chelsea star in the Catalan capital.

The player in question? Cesar Azpilicueta.

Versatile right-back Azpilicueta has, of course, been hotly tipped for a Camp Nou switch throughout the summer, with the Spaniard himself understood to be keen on a return to his home country.

Chelsea, though, appeared to have put any and all speculation surrounding their veteran stopper’s future to bed last month, in triggering a one-year extension in his contract.

But, if the latest word stemming from the media on Thursday is anything to go by, then, in fact, Barca have not yet been deterred.

As per a report from Javi Miguel of Spanish outlet Diario AS, ‘Azpi’ is closer than ever to becoming a Blaugrana player, on the back of a fresh meeting between the powers that be in Catalunya and west London.

Chelsea’s new owners, it is understood, are open to the prospect of bidding farewell to the 32-year-old, who has already agreed to personal terms with Barcelona.

In turn, it is suggested that the transfer could be closed ‘in the coming hours’, ahead of Azpilicueta being unveiled as a new Barca player next week.

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