Rumours had it that Barcelona’s chief scouts watched the two players during a Champions League match against Real Madrid.
Barcelona have reportedly ended their interest in Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante and Cesar Azpilicueta.
The La Liga leaders will thus not pursue the two players in the next summer window.
Azpilicueta has established himself as a key asset for the Blues over the past decade, but in recent seasons, he has been relegated to a more peripheral role. The Spaniard made himself a reputable full-back and was on Barcelona’s transfer radar in the last window.
Kante has been a massive midfield figure for the Premier League side but has had to deal with serious injuries in the last two seasons, resulting in limited playtime.
14:25 - 20.04.2023
TRANSFERS Barcelona chiefs scouted Chelsea duo during Real Madrid showdown
Reports state that the Catalan chiefs were in Madrid to scout players linked with them.
Recent reports have indicated the Frenchman is ready to leave the club, with some linking him with Barcelona.
Kante is understood to be keen to remain at Chelsea beyond this season, while Azpilicueta could be allowed to leave. The former Leicester City star is reportedly signing a new Chelsea deal soon.
Barcelona are understood to be ready to get into the market and purchase a top-level midfielder and a right-back. Kante and Azpilicueta had been linked, but with the latest reports, it looks like they will not pursue them anymore.
The Catalan outfit has been looking for a reputable successor to Dani Alves, but they have not been successful for several years now.
13:10 - 20.04.2023
TRANSFERS Newcastle ready to hijack Joao Felix’s permanent transfer to Chelsea
The Magpies are looking to bolster their team, and Felix has emerged as a primary transfer target.
Apart from Kante and Azpilicueta, further reports state that Barcelona will not attempt to bring back Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as a priority signing.
It said they will pursue other strikers before considering bringing on board the former Arsenal captain.