Barcelona boss Xavi ‘eyeing up Chelsea trio Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi’

Barcelona manager Xavi is plotting a transfer move for Chelsea stars Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi, according to reports in Spain.

Xavi, newly appointed on November 6 following Ronald Koeman’s dismissal last month, is thought to be keen to revamp the club’s attack, with the Blues wing trio high on his shortlist.

And as reported by Catalan daily Sport, via AS, all three Premier League stars could be willing to leave Stamford Bridge and join the Spaniard’s new era at Camp Nou.

Out-of-favour winger Hakim Ziyech (pictured) is also thought to be on Xavi’s transfer shortlist

All of them are currently struggling for regular action under Thomas Tuchel, with a wealth of attacking options like Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Mason Mount available to the German blocking their path to the first team. 

Pulisic, 23, is generally part of the squad when available, but has struggled with a succession of niggling injuries and has only played five minutes in the league since the opening game of the season against Crystal Palace. 

In the league, Ziyech, 28, has only managed 181 minutes with no attacking returns, and 21-year-old Hudson-Odoi only 385 minutes, with his sole goal and assist coming in a 7-0 demolition of relegation favourites Norwich.

Given the Spanish giants’ financial constraints, Xavi is thought to be willing to explore loan moves as well as permanent transfers, with his squad looking light following an injury crisis.

Xavi has already made his first signing, bringing back former team-mate Dani Alves, 38, on a free transfer after he left Sao Paulo.

Callum Hudson-Odoi, 21, could reportedly be persuaded to join the new era at the Nou Camp

Reports suggest he is also eyeing up another former Blaugrana player in Liverpool playmaker Thiago, and Manchester City and England star Raheem Sterling.

However, Tuchel has emphasised that Ziyech is still an important member of the team despite his recent absence from the first team.

He said: ‘He fought his way into the team and was in the team at the beginning of the season because of performance. It was so obvious in pre-season that he had to be on the pitch. He scored and had the injury in the Super Cup game. 

‘It cost him a lot because, maybe even until today, I don’t feel him 100% free with his shoulders. Even if it’s maybe no pain, it could be subconscious. There is something that limits him in his freedom to move and turn, accelerate and decelerate. 

The new boss is keen to revamp his ageing attacking line in the wake of a serious injury crisis

‘We need time and patience, he needs to fight his way back into the team. That is the way it is. Whilst he was out, other guys performed and came in and performed. He is one of our players. We will never lose trust or patience with him, he will stay an important player I am sure.’ 

But the 48-year-old insisted Hudson-Odoi still has work to do to turn around his Chelsea career after several bright performances in recent weeks.

He added: ‘He needs to play the next 250 games on the highest level. It’s only if he does not only do one good match, one good half, 60 good minutes, but if he does it consistently. It’s as easy as that with every player. 

‘Once you do this you will have more minutes. You need to fight for it. You need to deserve it. It must be a perfect fit in a perfect moment. Sometimes you need a bit of luck. We will support him.’