Chelsea stars Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen near Barcelona free transfers as Blues can’t give them new deals

BARCELONA are reportedly close to signing Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen for free.

Both players’ current contracts expire in June, and it is unlikely that they will sign new deals.

Azpilicueta and Christensen are expected to join Barcelona in the summerCredit: Rex

Chelsea are unable to negotiate new contracts at the moment due to the sanctions that have been placed on Roman Abramovich by the UK Government.

According to ESPN and the Express, Barcelona are hoping that the Blues’ tricky situation will help them in their pursuit to sign the pair.

Azpilicueta is said to be keen to make the move to Camp Nou, however there is a one-year renewal option attached to his contract that could still be triggered.

The Chelsea captain recently became the first player to win every trophy possible with the club, so it would be a huge loss if he were to leave this year.

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Meanwhile, Christensen is very close to joining the Spanish giants.

Reports have suggested that he has already agreed a deal with the club, and a medical has been completed.

The Blues are not allowed to take part in any transfer activity – they cannot make new signings or negotiate any player contracts.

Last week it was announced that Abramovich has had all of his assets completely frozen.

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This has meant that Chelsea are unable to retain any income.

They are not allowed to sell merchandise or match tickets, which has left the club in turmoil.

But, around 200 potential investors are said to be interested in buying the club.

Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets NFL team and Donald Trump’s pal, has emerged as a late bidder, but he faces competition from several other interested parties.

The Saudi Media Group, led by Chelsea fan Mohamed Alkhereiji, have offered £2.7bn.

British property developer Nick Candy, 49, another Blues fan, is interested in making a bid.

Other bidders include a consortium led by LA Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly, 46, and Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss, 86.

Turkish billionaire Muhsin Bayrak, 50, has claimed he is in talks to buy the Blues, with negotiations well underway.

Billionaire Josh Harris, a minority shareholder at Crystal Palace, is also considering making a bid.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk

Chelsea stars Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen near Barcelona free transfers as Blues can’t give them new deals

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