Chelsea Ready to Offer Barcelona Two Defenders in Exchange for US Star

Chelsea Ready to Offer Barcelona Two Defenders in Exchange for US Star

Fred Kennedy
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:02 PM
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  • Chelsea are in danger of losing a number of key defenders this summer including skipper Cesar Azpilicueta
  • Barcelona boss Xavi is said to have prioritised the signing of the Spaniard alongside his teammate, Marcos Alonso
  • While the Blues are willing to allow the duo to move to Camp Nou, they are reportedly looking to trade the duo for Sergio Dest
  • Twenty-one-year old Dest is yet to hit the ground running since his switch to Barcelona in 2020 from Dutch side, Ajax

Chelsea are reportedly open to letting Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso join Barcelona in the summer in exchange for Sergio Dest.

Both Alonso and Azpilicueta have been linked with a switch to the Camp Nou ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

Sergino Dest of FC Barcelona during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Cadiz CF played at Camp Nou Stadium. Photo by Sergio Ruiz.
Sergino Dest of FC Barcelona during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Cadiz CF played at Camp Nou Stadium. Photo by Sergio Ruiz.
Source: Getty Images

Express UK reports Barcelona boss Xavi has shortlisted the duo in his transfer wishlist and wants the club to complete the deals.

Thomas Tuchel set for a defensive rebuild

The development comes at a time Thomas Tuchel is believed to be plotting a defensive rebuild, especially after the departure of Antonio Rudiger who is set to join Real Madrid at the end of the season.

Barcelona already look set to sign Andreas Christensen in the coming weeks, with the Chelsea defender understood to have an agreement in place with the La Liga giants.

Reports suggest Azpilicueta and Alonso could join Christensen at Barcelona, with their contract statuses leaving the duo open for a summer exit.

Chelsea interested in a swap deal for Sergino Dest

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona have 'total conviction' an agreement will soon be reached for the transfers of both Alonso and Azpilicueta.

However, Chelsea are looking to exchange the two veteran defenders for Sergino Dest in a makeweight deal.

The USA international joined the Catalan giants from Ajax in 2020 but has endured a not-so-bright start to life in Spain.

Reports claim the full-back's time at Barcelona could be coming to an end paving way for a possible move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea star to miss FA Cup final

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Chelsea have been dealt a huge injury blow in Mateo Kovacic just days before their FA Cup final meeting with Liverpool.

According to Thomas Tuchel, the Croatian is unlikely to play any role in the Saturday, May 14, clash at Wembley Stadium.

Kovacic picked an ankle injury during Chelsea's Premier League encounter against Leeds United on Wednesday night.

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Fred Kennedy
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