Barcelona's dire financial situation may have reared its head once again could impact Chelsea and their summer transfer window in five ways as the mistake over Lionel Messi's contract could be repeated once again.
Xavi has been leading a revolution in Catalunya after the former midfielder picked a European giant off the floor to have them back approaching their peak. This is despite them missing out on the 2021/22 La Liga title to Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid. The signings of Pierre Emetic-Aubameyang alongside other acquisitions have Barca back on the right track after a recent rough period in their history which was caused by the reckless spending of the previous regime.
The likes of Philippe Coutinho and Antoine Griezmann among others flopped under great expectations and huge transfer fees, and the financial turmoil this caused meant that club legend Messi's contract could not be renewed last summer, as he moved on to Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent. With Messi currently unhappy in Paris ahead of Qatar 2022, the return to Barca seems some way off due to Xavi's priorities, but also the financial woes that have sprung their heads once again. In spite of a period of ease, it has been revealed by the Daily Mail that the financial situation currently at the Spanish club means that they cannot sign up either of imminent free transfer signings Franck Kessie and Blues defender Andreas Christensen.
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So, as it currently stands, no major incomings may be the order of the day this summer at Barca if they are to balance the books once more. As well as Christensen, there are four other major transfer dominos that could fall, which would come of some interest to Chelsea and new owner Todd Boehly. It has been widely reported that alongside Chelsea's No.4, the Catalan giants are also eyeing both Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta from Stamford Bridge. Something that may not happen now if the financial situation doesn't ease up.
Alongside Frenkie De Jong, who has been linked with Man United and Arsenal, Barca could free some space on their wage bill will be by releasing Chelsea target Ousmane Dembele at the end of his contract, which is set to expire at the end of next month. Next up is Robert Lewandowski, a player who is wanted by both Chelsea and Barcelona. The Polish international himself would prefer a move to the Camp Nou, but this new update may tilt the pendulum Chelsea's way as they seek replacements for the misfiring Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner.
Christensen, Alonso, Azpilicueta, Lewandowski and Dembele- five players who could now be affected by the latest financial stresses that have been exposed All names which will impact Chelsea's summer in some capacity.
