Barcelona chiefs scouted Chelsea duo during Real Madrid showdown

During the Champions League clash at Santiago Bernabeu, Barcelona chiefs Jordi Cryuff and Mateu Alemany attended in order to scout some Chelsea stars.

The Blues were hosted by Real Madrid for the first-leg duel – which they lost 2-0 - and the Barcelona scouts attended in order to catch a glimpse of N’Golo Kante and Cesar Azpilicueta.

Kante started the match before he was replaced in the 75th minute by Conor Gallagher, while Azpilicueta was an unused substitute.

Azpilicueta has seen playing time incredibly reduced over time, and he wanted to join the LaLiga club last summer, but the move failed in the end.

With Barcelona facing financial challenges, they are said to be keen to go for players who have a knockdown price tag.

Kante, Azpilicueta, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be free in the summer, but the Frenchman has a chance to remain at Stamford Bridge and stay longer than the other two.

Reports indicate that although Kante is pondering his future in London, he is ready to sign a new deal. Should he fail to extend, Barcelona will be keen to welcome him at the Nou Camp, according to reports.

Aubameyang has faced challenging moments since he returned to the Premier League from Barcelona. He spent six months with the Catalan club before a move was agreed upon with Chelsea over his return to London.

He was taken out of Chelsea’s Champions League squad as he continues to contend with a peripheral role at Stamford Bridge. His struggle has led to speculation that he could return to LaLiga.

Barcelona are evaluating their financial situation and may look to regulate it before making any transfer moves.

Apart from the Chelsea trio, Barcelona have been linked with a move for Manchester City’s midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.

The German is said to have attracted interest from Chelsea too.

The three - with their varying experiences - would add quality to Barcelona’s squad, and moves could become a possibility if the financial conditions are right.