(Football news) Ever since the departure of Bartomeu and the arrival of Laporta, Barcelona’s recruitment policy has improved a lot. In this winter transfer window, Laporta made shrewd signings which are certainly paying dividends to Xavi’s side and it seems like the trend is going to continue with the signings of Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta next season on a free transfer. 

Barcelona have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Andreas Christensen ahead of a possible move this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Danish defender is in the final few months of his current contract with Chelsea. The Blues have failed to tie him down to a new deal due to his wage disagreements. Christensen rose through the ranks at Stamford Bridge  and really started to show his full potential during Thomas Tuchel's reign. The 25-year-old has always been a vital clog at the heart of the German's rock-solid backline, but the Danish defender looks set to depart Stamford Bridge at the end of the season. Barcelona on the other hand have been monitoring the situation with interest and are finally getting their man.

Barcelona have been in search of a new defender since last summer to fill the shoes of Gerard Pique who is at the end of his career. Although they brought in Eric Garcia for free last summer, the defender has yet to make a mark in La Liga this season. Xavi is expected to allow Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet to leave the club and clear the large wage bill to accommodate new players. With Ronald Araujo's future also hanging in the balance, a new defender was the need of the hour. However, Barcelona's precarious financial situation poses a threat to their ambitions but the availability of Christensen on a free move appears to be a godsend.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona is willing to wait till the summer for Azpilicueta’s decision as they have already offered the 32 year old right back a 2 year contract. Romano also adds that Barcelona are in no rush to get a deal over the line, acknowledging that they want Azpilicueta to be comfortable with any decision he makes, given the time that he has spent with his family in England. If Barca manage to pull this double coup from Chelsea then it will actually help them to get to their glory days back quicker. During his time with Chelsea, Azpilicueta has won all the trophies possible at the Bridge, not only bringing loads of experience in the side but also instilling a winning mentality in the dressing room. However, the full-back has just four months remaining on his contract and Chelsea are reluctant to offer the 32-year-old anything longer than a 12-month extension and Barca might take advantage of this situation.

Also read: Spurs crash out of the FA Cup while City defeat Peterborough