Barcelona mobilise on two Chelsea deals including Azpilicueta, as third Blues star becomes subject of Boehly plan

Barcelona are ramping up their pursuits of a Chelsea pair including Cesar Azpilicueta, while Todd Boehly’s plan for Reece James has come to light, per reports.

The defence Thomas Tuchel finished last season with could look unrecognisable come opening day. Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen have both departed as free agents to Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.

The first-team defensive exits tally could quickly double to four with the futures of Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso coming into focus.

The veteran pair have drawn persistent links with Barcelona. The Spanish side continue to struggle financially, though repeatedly find a way to push deals over the line against all odds.

Now, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Azpilicueta and Alonso will be the subjects of an upcoming discussion.

Romano tweeted there is a ‘direct contact’ scheduled between Barca and Chelsea this week. The Blues defenders are on the agenda and Xavi’s side want an Azpilicueta deal wrapped up ‘as soon as possible’.

An Alonso move will also be explored and the left-footer is claimed to want the move.

Both players have 12 months remaining on their current contracts. Yet both are the wrong side of 30 and the Blues may be tempted to cash in while they can.

A prior report from Spanish outlet Sport claimed each player is valued around the £11m mark given their age and contract statuses.

A follow-up tweet from Romano claimed Barcelona have already agreed personal terms with both players.

Boehly has plans for James, Mount

One player very much in Chelsea’s long-term plans, however, is Reece James.

The 22-year-old is already one of the world’s finest right-backs and new owner Todd Boehly is suitably impressed.

That’s iNews’ take, with the publication stating Boehly sees James and Mason Mount as the cornerstones on which Chelsea will build around in the coming years.

James’ current deal doesn’t expire until 2025. However, in lieu of his rapid progression and growing influence, Chelsea aim to open fresh contract talks in the coming weeks.

If James puts pen to paper, the outlet conclude he’ll be on Chelsea’s books until at least his late 20s. That would indicate a six or even seven year deal could be in the works.

Time up for Azpilicueta, Alonso?

At 32 and 31 respectively, the Chelsea pair’s best days are undoubtedly behind them.

Alonso did feature heavily last season, though only due to Ben Chilwell’s ACL injury.

Azpilicueta’s minutes were cut last year with Tuchel serving up just 27 league appearances, of which 23 were starts.

Of the two, common sense would dictate Chelsea stand firm over Azpilicueta.

The Spaniard is the club captain and remains a strong influence in the dressing room. What’s more, he is versatile and can operate at wing-back on either side or at right centre-back.