BARCELONA
Andreas Christensen: Barcelona's first signing for 2022/23
With the possible departures of Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti this summer, this looks like an important acquisition for the Blaugrana.
Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen looks set to become Barcelona's first signing for the 2022/23 season, AS understands. The Danish centre-back will join on a free transfer and is expected to sign a five-year deal.
With the possible departures of Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti this summer, this looks like an important acquisition. At 25, Christensen has become one of the most promising centre-backs in European football.
The Denmark international is strong in the air and very comfortable on the ball, although some criticise him for not being aggressive enough, despite his height of almost 190 centimetres.
Christensen has an impressive record with Chelsea, making 153 appearances in his five seasons in England. He has scored just two goals in that time.
Barcelona look to strengthen after Christensen
Christensen's arrival is the current priority at Camp Nou, but the club has more targets in mind. They are currently interested in signing midfielder Franck Kessié (AC Milan), Moroccan full-back Noussair Mazraoui (Ajax) and defender César Azpilicueta (Chelsea) on free transfers.
Azpilicueta has a unilateral renewal clause that can be triggered by Chelsea and the Spaniard would have to negotiate personally for that not to happen.
Barcelona have also completed the signing of young Racing Santander talent Pablo Torre. The attacking midfielder could end up starting in the reserve team, before potentailly moving into Xavi's first team squad.