Barcelona join Manchester United in the race to sign Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta in summer as Dani Alves’ replacement
Luis Enrique's first choice is Arsenal's Hector Bellerin but Gunners are determined to keep hold of young star
BARCELONA have joined Manchester United the race to sign Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta, according to reports.
The Spanish giants are on the look-out for a new right-back as Dani Alves prepares to join Juventus next week.
Barcelona’s top target is believed to be Hector Bellerin, but Arsenal are reluctant to sell the youngster following a barnstorming Premier League season.
And claims Luis Enrique has now turned his attention to Azpilicueta, who has been linked with a Stamford Bridge exit this summer.
Incoming Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte is reportedly ready to part ways with the versatile defender for a bargain fee, and the player is attracting interest from a number of clubs.
Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain are allegedly monitoring Azpilicueta, with Spaniard Unai Emery set to replace Laurent Blanc as manager.
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La Liga side Athletic Bilbao are also keen, but rivals United are supposedly leading the race for the player’s signature.
Former Blues boss Jose Mourinho apparently wants Azpilicueta to slot in at right-back ahead of Matteo Darmian despite playing him on the opposite flank in west London.
And although Azpilicueta has denied any contact with The Special One, it looks like United also have to contend with the threat of Barcelona.
The Spanish champions have also been linked with a bid for Sevilla’s Kevin Gameiro as Manchester City close in on former target Nolito of Celta Vigo.
A move for young Brazilian Gabriel Jesus is also in the works, although doubts remain over Neymar’s Nou Camp future.
PSG are believed to be preparing a world-record bid for the superstar forward, although Enrique is confident he can persuade Neymar to remain in Spain.