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Football London
Football London
Sport
Scott Trotter

Barcelona chief explains how to seal deals amid Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta link

Barcelona sporting advisor Jordi Cruyff has revealed that the Catalan giants still have more transfer plans having unveiled Andreas Christensen as their latest signing. The 48-year-old acknowledged that Chelsea's takeover has delayed any business amid links to the likes of Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta.

The Blues duo are both set to see their contracts end in 2023, with the latter having only seen his contract extended after he saw a clause activated in his deal having played a designated amount of matches in 2021/22. Alonso has a desire to leave Stamford Bridge, while Chelsea are open to the Spaniard's sale.

Barcelona's financial issues which saw them sell 10% of the television rights of the club and require players to take pay-cuts last term, have held up a great deal of their transfer business so far this summer. Cruyff refused to name the club's targets but suggested they have been willing to take reduced terms.

READ MORE: Raheem Sterling's Chelsea contract and the impact it will have on Mason Mount and Reece James

Cryuff said: "It is true that the change of ownership at Chelsea delays everything a bit. We want to reinforce several positions in the team and we have several names on the table. What has struck me the most is that all the players when they hear the name of Barça, they open their eyes and are willing to lose money to adapt to the salary scale. We are proud to see how people are willing to lose money to come to this club.

"The new salary structure must be fair and stable. We don't want to talk about names, because they have a contract with their clubs. But it is true that we are looking to strengthen positions that we consider fundamental".

Barcelona have also provided competition for Chelsea in their quest to sign Raphinha. Todd Boehly's team had a deal agreed for £55 million with £10 million in add-ons but have yet to be able to make a deal with the Brazilian, who prefers a move to the La Liga side.

Barca club president Joan Laporta conceded that his side would be unlikely to see any new stars in addition to Christensen and Franck Kessie, until the point they can activate a 'second lever'.

Laporta said: "I will continue with the line of not talking about players. Until we have the second lever, of 15% of television rights, we will not incorporate more players. That is the rule general, but there may be some exceptions."

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