Barca 'want Azpilicueta to hand in a transfer request' to speed up the move

Barcelona reportedly want Cesar Azpilicueta to hand in a transfer request to speed up a potential move from Chelsea to the Nou Camp this summer.

Chelsea captain Azpilicueta is under contract at Stamford Bridge until next year but is thought to be keen on a return to Spain.

The 32-year-old, who has won every major European and domestic trophy during his decade at Chelsea, is believed to be reluctant to ask club chiefs to leave.

According to The Sun, Azpilicueta is coming under increasing pressure to do so as Barcelona are hoping to bring him to the Nou Camp in time for the start of pre-season training next month.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is set to hold talks with Azpilicueta, who has made 474 appearances for the Blues, regarding the player's future.

Barca are attempting to fill the void at right-back left by club legend Dani Alves, who has confirmed he is leaving for a second time. The Spanish giants have warned they may pursue other options if they cannot convince Azpilicueta to depart.

Chelsea, under new ownership after Todd Boehly bought the club from Roman Abramovich in a £4.25billion deal, are facing a defensive exodus in the summer and will need to refresh their backline if they are to challenge the runaway pair of Manchester City and Liverpool next season.

Andreas Christensen has already left to join Barca, while Antonio Rudiger has signed for Real Madrid.

Azpilicueta has also reportedly been mentioned in Barca's talks with Chelsea over their interest in wonderkid Alejandro Balde.

Chelsea are interested in signing Balde, 18, and Barca could use the player as bait in potential deals for Azpilicueta and team-mate Marcos Alonso.