New Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde wants to sign Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta this summer, according to Don Balon.
The Spanish outlet claims that the manager believes that the 27-year-old would fit perfectly into the Barcelona set-up and Valverde has decided to pursue him instead of Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin.
This follows up from the story in Spanish newspaper Sport which reported that Barcelona had decided against re-signing Bellerin this summer.
The report claims that several Barcelona players are far from pleased about the decision not to sign the Arsenal man but Valverde is convinced that Azpilicueta is more likely to succeed at the Camp Nou next season.
It is said that Valverde attempted to sign the full-back in the past when he was in charge of fellow La Liga side Athletic Bilbao.
Azpilicueta might not be guaranteed first-team football next season as Chelsea have just completed the signing of German defender Antonio Rudiger.
The Spaniard has been one of the most consistent players at Stamford Bridge over the last couple of seasons, performing well as a centre-back and also delivering the goods in both full-back positions.
The defender made a total of 47 appearances in all competitions last season, contributing with two goals and seven assists.
Azpilicueta has been influential in helping clinch two Premier League titles in the last three seasons.
The Spaniard’s current contract at Stamford Bridge expires in 2020.