Cesar Azpilicueta’s decision to stay at Chelsea deprives Xavi of the defender he most wanted to build his new look Barcelona around.
The Spanish international who turns 33 at the end of this month was one of the first players the Barca coach called last December when he was trying to organise January arrivals to rescue the club’s season.
The desire to bring him in has remained this summer with Azpilicueta earmarked to play at right-back while also offering Xavi the chance to play with a back three and even give cover to Jordi Alba at left-back.