Cesar Azpilicueta 'confident of joining Barcelona this summer'

Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta is reportedly becoming increasingly confident of joining Barcelona.

The 32-year-old has been strongly linked with the Catalan giants over the last few months, with Xavi's side believed to have identified him as a key transfer target.

Azpilicueta's ability to play as a full-back and central defender are said to make him an attractive proposition for Barcelona, who are looking for another low-cost option at the back.

The Spain international remains a key figure at Stamford Bridge, but his contract is due to expire next summer, and he is believed to be keen to secure a return to La Liga in the current market.

According to The Times journalist Tom Roddy, Azpilicueta is becoming "more optimistic" that he will make the move to Camp Nou before the end of the transfer window.

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Roddy claims that a deal for Jules Kounde is linked, with Chelsea believed to be on the verge of coming to an agreement with Sevilla over the Frenchman.

Azpilicueta has made 474 appearances for the Blues since arriving from Marseille in 2012, contributing 17 goals and 55 assists in the process.

Last term, the defender featured on 47 occasions in all competitions, providing three goals and three assists, with 27 of his outings coming in the Premier League.

Azpilicueta previously played in La Liga for Osasuna, making 108 appearances for the Spanish club before moving to Marseille, where his strong form earned him a switch to Chelsea.

There has already been defensive movement at Stamford Bridge this summer, with Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger leaving on free transfers to join Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively, while Kalidou Koulibaly has made the move to the club from Napoli.

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Marcos Alonso has also been strongly linked with Barcelona, as the Catalan giants look to sign a new left-back before the end of the transfer window.

Xavi's side have allowed two defenders to leave the club this summer, with Dani Alves departing on a free transfer, while Clement Lenglet has made the move to Tottenham Hotspur on loan.

As well as Christensen, Barcelona have signed Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Franck Kessie this summer, and the club are said to be targeting more signings despite their financial problems.

The Catalan giants are currently well-stocked at the back, but Samuel Umtiti and Oscar Mingueza are expected to leave in the current market; Sergino Dest has also been linked with an exit, although the United States international recently said that he would be staying at Camp Nou.