Barcelona in talks to sign Spanish defensive ace: A shrewd move by the Blaugrana?

Barcelona are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta next summer.

The Spanish international, 32, is into the final year of his Chelsea contract and will be available on a free transfer at the end of the season. He will be eligible to speak to clubs outside England in January and sign a pre-contract agreement if required.

According to Catalan outlet El Nacional, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez is interested in signing Cesar Azpilicueta and is personally pushing for the deal to go through. The report adds any move for the Blues star on a potential free transfer, though, would spell the end of Dani Alves’ short-term return to Camp Nou.

Xavi Hernandez lost his first game as Barcelona boss at the weekend after his side went down 1-0 to Real Betis in La Liga. They were also ignominiously knocked out of the Champions League on Wednesday by Bayern Munich.

The Catalan club have won just four games out of their last 11 in all competitions, and Xavi will be desperate to turn around the club’s fortunes as quickly as possible.

Cesar Azpilicueta to Barcelona – A smart move by the Blaugrana?

Barcelona are seventh in the league table after 15 games, six points behind fourth-placed Atletico Madrid. They have been vulnerable at the back since the beginning of the campaign, conceding 17 goals in the process to date.

None of the Blaugrana’s current crop of defenders have performed consistently to come out with some credit after a disappointing start to the 2021-22 season. Gerard Pique looks to be far from his best, while the likes of Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, Sergino Dest and Clement Lenglet have been erratic, to say the least.

With regards to the Blaugrana’s defensive conundrum, Cesar Azpilicueta would be a smart addition. Azpilicueta has served Chelsea very well since moving from Marseille back in 2012, making close to 450 appearances and winning two Premier Leagues, one FA Cup, one Champions League and two Europa League trophies in the process.

The Spaniard has played everywhere across the Blues backline, proving his versatility time and again. A leader and an excellent organiser of the backline, he is a very competent player who gives everything on the pitch in every single game.

The 32-year-old’s passing ability, leadership skills and volumes of experience would hugely benefit a Barcelona side that has lacked direction this term.

However, at his age, Azpilicueta won’t be a long-term fix for the Catalan club’s defensive problems. But considering his fitness and energy levels, he still has a few years to offer at the highest level. And on a potential free transfer, the Spanish defender would certainly represent a shrewd acquisition for Barcelona.