Barcelona ‘targeting three Chelsea stars’ who could eye January moves away

Barcelona are said to have highlighted three Chelsea stars who they could try to sign on loan during the January transfer window as they look to bolster Xavi's playing squad.

The Catalan giants sacked Ronald Koeman and replaced him with their former captain after a torrid run in La Liga, and will look to close the gap on leaders Real Madrid following the international break.

Although Memphis Depay has been a positive in life after Lionel Messi, the news that Sergio Aguero will be out of action for an indefinite period is another blow to their squad.

With funds still tight following a review into club debt, the loan market could be the perfect way to get their hands on talented players who might well dream of playing at the Nou Camp.

Spanish outlet AS have now reported that Barcelona have eyed up three Chelsea stars who they might be able to tempt to the club on a temporary deal in the new year.

Despite remaining keen on Raheem Sterling, Barca are said to be keeping close tabs on Callum Hudson-Odoi, 21 , Hakim Ziyech 28, and also Christian Pulisic, 23.

Hudson-Odoi has not been able to secure a run of starts under Thomas Tuchel following the departure of Frank Lampard, with Hakim Ziyech yet to live up to the heights he got to at Ajax.

Christian Pulisic has also struggled for form despite starring for his country, scoring four goals across 27 Premier League appearances last season.

Who would Chelsea miss the least from Barcelona's shortlist? Tell us in the comments section

Xavi returned to Barcelona to replace Koeman despite being contracted to Al Sadd, whom he had managed since 2019 after four years on their books as a player.

“It’s not a case of being hard on them; it’s a question of order,” he said on his return.

“You have to have rules. When there have been rules things have gone well; when there haven’t been, things have gone badly.

"It’s crystal clear. At the start it is important we talk about work, values, respect, attitude, effort.

"If we don’t have those values we don’t have a team. We need that, then we can talk about the model.

"In my opinion, the most important thing is the rules first and then we will decide how we play. I have had a good teacher in (Pep) Guardiola, of course.”

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