Report: Veteran Chelsea star set to be handed a new contract

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta set for a new contract

According to Spanish publication AS (h/t Mirror), Chelsea are desperate to hand a new and improved contract to captain and key player Cesar Azpilicueta.

Azpilicueta has been with Chelsea since 2012, having arrived from French club Marseille. A utility player in his early days at the club, the Spaniard gradually grew into one of the most important players and a leader on the pitch. So, it didn’t come as a surprise when he was named club captain following the exit of Gary Cahill.

Till date, Azpilicueta has racked up a total of 420 appearances for Chelsea, chipping in with 14 goals and 52 assists, in the process, winning two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, a League Cup and two UEFA Europa League trophies.

The 31-year-old did seem to have fallen down the pecking order in the first half of the ongoing season under Frank Lampard, who preferred Reece James at right-back. However, the arrival of Thomas Tuchel has sparked a turnaround for Dave, who is now a permanent fixture in the side, slotting in as the right-sided centre-back.

And now, the club is keen on rewarding him with a new contract. Azpilicueta’s current deal with Chelsea runs out at the end of the 2021/22 season. But the hierarchy see him as a pivotal player on and off the pitch, due to his experience and leadership. (h/t Mirror)

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At 31, Azpilicueta is not at his peak anymore. But the Spaniard has shown time and again that he adds so much value to the team with his performances as well as his leadership. Holding on to senior figures like him in the side makes a great deal of sense for Chelsea.