According to reports coming from The Telegraph, Chelsea full back Cesar Azpilicueta has emerged as a shock transfer target for Catalan giants FC Barcelona.
After the departure of Dani Alves to Juventus, Barcelona are in the transfer market for a right back.
La Liga Champions were originally after Arsenal full back Hector Bellerin, however, the reluctance of Arsenal to sell the Spaniard has forced Barcelona to line up alternatives.
Even though he currently plays in the left back position for the Blues, Azpiliceuta was originally signed by Chelsea as a right back.
However, after the move of Branislav Ivanovic to the right back department, Jose Mourinho appointed the 26-year-old as a left back.
Azpilicueta has prospered in that role and has been a stalwart for Chelsea in the last few seasons.
One thing that might test the mettle of Barcelona is the contract of Azpilicueta with Chelsea. The Spaniard is on contract with the Blues until 2019.
In addition to his contract, it is the lack of options for Chelsea that might force the Blues to retain his services.
While they signed Baba Rahman last season as a back up of Azpilicueta, the Ghanaian has been unable to prove his talent as a Premier League defender.
Therefore, if Barcelona are to lure him, they would have to make a substantial bid to force Chelsea to give away his services.
Thus, with so many factors pointing otherwise, it would be very difficult for Barcelona to lure away the prized asset of Chelsea away from London.
