Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has suggested that he has enjoyed a productive meeting with his Barcelona counterparts on Thursday evening.
Despite under a month remaining before the start of the new Premier League campaign, Chelsea are yet to make any additions to their first-team squad.
However, as well as the Blues said to be close to confirming the signing of Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling, there are numerous situations which are deemed to be ongoing in relation to Barcelona.
For a number of months, it has been known that the Catalan giants are keen to sign each of Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso this summer.
Both of the Spaniards are said to hold a desire to return to their homeland, preferably with Barcelona who are interested in strengthening in the full-back positions.
© Reuters
However, Barcelona are currently in a position where signing new players is not straightforward, club officials under pressure to free up space on their wage bill or get creative in the market.
In terms of outgoings, Frenkie de Jong is regarded as a potential departure, despite president Joan Laporta insisting that the Dutchman will remain at Camp Nou.
While Manchester United have long been deemed to be the frontrunners, Chelsea have allegedly entered the race for the Netherlands international.
The futures of all three players - and potentially other scenarios - were on the menu when Boehly had dinner with a number of Barcelona chiefs on Thursday evening.
© Reuters
Laporta, sporting advisor Jordi Cruyff and director of football Mateu Alemany were all in attendance for the discussions with the American.
Boehly emerged from the restaurant ahead of Barcelona officials, responding to Cadena COPE reporter by saying "Great food. great meal. Wonderful food."
When quizzed on whether there were any agreements reached with the La Liga side, Boehly appeared to reply by saying: "Yes".
Boehly, who is acting as Chelsea's interim sporting director, is now expected to fly back to London as he attempts to deliver new players for head coach Thomas Tuchel.
The German and his squad are currently preparing to travel to the United States for their pre-season tour.
Darren Plant
