Chelsea tell Barcelona price of landing double raid for Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso
Barcelona will reportedly have to pay Chelsea around £22.5m if they wish to land both Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso this summer.
Both defenders have been targets for Barcelona as they look to sharpen up their backline for next season. The duo made a combined 55 league appearances last season as Chelsea finished third behind Man City and Liverpool. Now, Barcelona are looking to make a double swoop as they aim to push for the La Liga title.
According to Sport, Barcelona have been told both players will cost €13m each. This is around £11.19m, meaning the total cost will be just over £22m.
Personal terms have already been agreed with both players. However, the Spanish giants are said to be growing frustrated over negotiations with Chelsea.
The Blues have been holding firm on their valuation of the two players. Given the financial troubles currently at Barcelona, this has caused some concern.
But both players are undoubtedly keen on getting the deal through. Alonso has reportedly told the club he is eager for a return to Spain.
Azpilicueta has been a member of the Chelsea squad since 2012. Now, 10 years later, the 32-year-old is looking for a new challenge, and Xavi views him as the perfect target to fill the right-back position.
Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso sale a problem for Chelsea
If the sales do go through, that would be three Chelsea defenders making the switch to Camp Nou.
Andreas Christensen has already joined the club on a three-year deal. The 26-year-old made just 19 league appearances for the club last campaign.
But Alonso and Azpilicueta are more regular starters for the Blues. With Antonio Rudiger also joining Real Madrid, Chelsea are starting to look short of options at the back.
Cesar Azpilicueta still wants Chelsea exit this summer
Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta expects previous agreement to be honoured as he looks to leave Chelsea for Barcelona this summer
Thankfully for fans, the takeover from American businessman Todd Boehly means the club can now sign players.
However, they will need to act fast in the market if they wish to land replacements for all.
Even if Chelsea do receive their asking price for both players, they will still need additional funds. Both Christensen and Rudiger left on free transfers, and it will be hard to find replacements at the same price.
Regardless, the club must now have positive discussions with Barcelona so this defensive saga can end sooner rather than later. If the reports are true that Chelsea have told Barcelona this asking price, the the deal should be completed in the near future.
