The moment of truth arriving between Barça and Chelsea

The relationship between Chelsea and Barcelona is in the spotlight in the coming days, given the five names that both clubs have in common. Dembele, Raphinha and Kounde are names that both clubs want to have on their books next season, while Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso, currently at Stamford Bridge, are determined to come to Barcelona.

Chelsea start pre-season on Saturday apart from their internationals, who are back on July 9. Barcelona begin next week, and are trying to work on getting the squad for next season sorted out as soon as possible.

ALONSO AND AZPI

Barcelona have deals with the pair of Spanish defenders, but need to seal an agreement with the Blues. They want them signed and sealed by the time Xavi and Co go on the US tour. It will not be simple, because Chelsea want 13m euros for each of them, although they are willing to negotiate. It does seem likely that the deals will be done by the 9th though, when they have to link up with Thomas Tuchel and his squad.

OUSMANE DEMBELE

Barcelona are staying firm on their posture and will not improve the offer they have made him. The player is willing to accept it even though his agent Sissoko and he don’t consider it enough. They are looking elsewhere but it’s not that easy to find a new club. Chelsea were one of the most interested parties.

RAPHINHA

However the Blues are trying to bring in Leeds’s Brazilian winger. The 25 year old wants to go to Barcelona however and is waiting on the Chelsea offer to see the outcome of Barcelona’s negotiations with Leeds. In this manner, the London side may end up frustrated, as Deco tries to bring Raphinha to Barcelona. However if the Catalans can’t reach an agreement then he may go to the Blues.

KOUNDE

Christensen and Rudiger leaving mean that the English club need centre back and Sevilla’s Jules Kounde is one of the figures they are most interested in. He would prefer to go to Barcelona, who also want him, but Chelsea’s urgency and need is greater. Sevilla want 65m euros for him and various sources say they are moving for him.