Barcelona star Jordi Alba 'asks Cesc Fabregas about Chelsea life' as Spaniard weighs up summer exit

Jordi Alba is reportedly considering a summer move away from Barcelona after having been restricted to a secondary role since Luis Enrique's switch to 3-4-3. AS claims the Spain international has even called Pedro and Cesc Fabregas to ask the Spanish duo about the life at Chelsea while he is also listening the advises from some Manchester United pals.

Alba, 28, joined Barcelona from Valencia in the summer of 2012 after garnering a reputation as one of the best left-backs in Europe.

The Spain international has been a crucial player for all Tito Vilanova, Gerardo Martino and Luis Enrique in a 4-3-3 formation, forming an impressive partnership with Neymar on the left side of the pitch.

But the former Valencia star has lost his predominant role in the Barcelona line-up since the recent switch to 3-4-3, having been dropped in key games like the historic 6-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain and the La Liga encounters with Atletico Madrid, Valencia and Sevilla.

Luis Enrique prefers three specialist centre-backs such as Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano and Samuel Umtiti to form the heart of his backline, while he has also struggled to find a space for the offensive Alba in a more advance role.

Alba himself admitted his frustration over the new situation from the Spanish camp last month – with some reports already suggesting that Manchester United were on alert due to the uncertain future of Luke Shaw at Old Trafford.

AS now claims that Alba is weighing up his options ahead of making a future move away from the Nou Camp during the coming summer transfer window.

The Spanish publication claims that both Fabregas and Pedro received phone calls from the Barcelona star in recent times, as Chelsea could be one of his options in case he leaves the La Liga giants.

Fabregas and Pedro both switched from Barcelona to Chelsea in the past and Alba reportedly enquired about life at Stamford Bridge.

Marcos Alonso is currently thriving in Alba's role in West London but Chelsea have still been linked with some left-backs in recent months as Antonio Conte is said to be keen on adding competition to the squad ahead of a demanding 2017-18 campaign that will also Champions League football.

AS, meanwhile suggests that Manchester United could also be an option for the Barcelona star, if he finally decides to leave the Nou Camp.

In this sense, the Spanish publication says that Alba has also been in contact with some players from Jose Mourinho's side in order to make a potential move to Old Trafford. Alba has no any former Barcelona teammates in the current United side but still knows well the likes of David De Gea, Juan Mata and Ander Herrera from the national team.

One way or another, AS understands that Alba's final decision will depend on the plans of the next Barcelona manager as Luis Enrique is set to quit the Nou Camp at the end of the current season.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are also reportedly planning for a hypothetical life without the Spaniard as, earlier in the week, it was claimed that the Catalans are battling with Real Madrid for the signature of Atletico Madrid starlet Theo Hernandez.