Xavi insisted in his press conference after Barcelona's game against Rayo Vallecano that more signings are needed, as the coach wants a bit more depth in his squad.

In particular, he has made it known to the sporting management that strengthening the full-back positions is a vital issue if the team are to achieve anything this season. In the first game of the season, it was clear that they have a problem on both flanks.

On the left flank, Jordi Alba is still far from his best. The player from L'Hospitalet always ends up being one of the best players in the squad season each season, but against Rayo he was far from what he is used to.

That's why Xavi is asking for more and that's where Marcos Alonso comes in. The club already has the player's approval.

Chelsea are also willing to let him leave. Now, it's just about closing the operation once and for all.

Barcelona's intention is to be able to finalise the deal this week, but that requires two things: guaranteeing the full-back his registration and closing the deal definitively with Chelsea.

Although the English club have shown interest in some of Barcelona's players, such as Sergino Dest and Frenkie de Jong, the Spanish side do not seem to be in favour of including them in this deal.

Thus, the Catalans hope to close the signing of Marcos Alonso as a pure and simple transfer. They do not expect problems with the figure, given that Thomas Tuchel has already opened the door to the Spanish full-back to leave.