Barcelona had their hearts set on a move for Chelsea captain and legend Cesar Azpilicueta in the last summer window.
Manager Xavi Hernandez was keen on roping in the 33-year-old veteran due to his versatile nature, experience and leadership skills.
However, the move fell through as Azpilicueta decided to sign a new contract with Chelsea to help the club through a period of transition when there was an ownership change.
Even though he is contracted with Chelsea until the summer of 2024, a fresh report from SPORT is speculating that Azpilicueta could be allowed to leave in the summer, which could pique the interest of Barcelona again.
Chelsea are scouring the market for a new right-back this month and are making a concerted effort to sign Malo Gusto from Olympique Lyon and Denzel Dumfries of Inter Milan. A new player is being sought as Reece James has struggled with injuries this season.
But once the England international returns to full fitness, Azpilicueta could be rendered surplus to requirements ahead of the next season, provided Chelsea sign Gusto or another right-back.
Should such a scenario unfold, Barcelona could favourably at the prospect of signing the 33-year-old Spaniard in the summer, reports SPORT.
It is no secret that the La Liga table-toppers are also on the lookout for a new right-back as Hector Bellerin, whose contract expires at the end of the season, will not be renewed by the club.
So, Barcelona are said to be attentive to Azpilicueta’s situation as he would be a good short-term signing at Camp Nou. However, the report clarifies that the Blaugrana would not want to pay any fee for his services.
At the same time, it is also stated that Azpilicueta is not the primary target at this point, with Benjamin Pavard of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund’s Thomas Meunier being the main candidates.