Sergino Dest rules out Barcelona exit amid Chelsea links

Despite the ongoing financial issues at the Catalan giants, they have continued to be proactive when it comes to strengthening Xavi's first-team squad.

Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie have arrived on free transfers, a deal is in place for Leeds United winger Raphinha and Ousmane Dembele has renewed his contract.

With Cesar Azpilicueta, Marcos Alonso and Robert Lewandowski also being heavily linked with a switch to Camp Nou, the La Liga outfit will inevitably have to make more player sales.

Dest - who could theoretically drop down the pecking order with the arrival of Azpilicueta - has been associated with a possible exit from Barcelona.

At the age of 21 and possessing the ability to play in a number of positions, Dest would generate a significant transfer fee should he depart the club this summer.

However, remaining consistent with what has been suggested in recent months, the United States international has no intention of leaving Catalonia at this stage of his career.

As quoted by Goal, Dest said: "I'm not thinking about transfers at the moment. I'm happy at this club, so I will definitely stay here."

With Barcelona having already renewed the contract of Sergi Roberto, it remains to be seen whether they will still pursue a deal for Azpilicueta.

The legendary Chelsea full-back is prepared to end his decade-long association with the Premier League team providing that a deal can be agreed between the relevant parties.

Nevertheless, without the departure of Dest or Roberto, Xavi would have three strong options at right-back if Azpilicueta was to return to his homeland.

In his two years at Barcelona, Dest has made a total of 56 starts and 16 substitute appearances, 21 of which came in La Liga during the last campaign.

The former Ajax man also has three years remaining on his contract, leaving him in a strong position to retain his stance of fighting for his place at Barcelona.