Transfer News: Chelsea dealt blow as Cesar Azpilicueta agrees personal terms with Barcelona.
According to ESPN, FC Barcelona are keeping tabs on Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta as a potential transfer at the end of the 2021-22 season. He has been a mainstay at the club ever since he joined in 2012.
The 32-year-old has a contract with the Blues till the end of the current season, meaning he will be a free agent ahead of next season. He is still a regular at the back under Thomas Tuchel and has also returned to the Spanish national team after a long period of absence.
The English club are hopeful that an extension would be agreed upon, but no agreement has been reached between the two parties so far. Barcelona are looking to take advantage of this situation and sign him on a free due to their financial problems.
The new Barca coach, Xavi Hernandez, is said to be a great fan of the Blues skipper and values what he brings to the table. His versatility to play in a back three or a four-man system alongside his leadership skills is what makes him an attractive proposition to Xavi.
With a young backline constituting Sergino Dest, Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo and Oscar Mingueza, his addition would be valuable for the former midfielder at the Nou Camp. The Spain international still has years left in him and has not shown any signs of rapid decline just yet.
Azpilicueta remains a valuable asset to Tuchel and has made 13 appearances this season while providing three assists. A legend at Stamford Bridge, there are higher chances of him staying to help the club in winning titles.
The defender would offer valuable experience to young starlets like Trevoh Chalobah and Malang Sarr, who are slowly rising through the ranks at Stamford Bridge. He would also be a dependable option on the field, should Chelsea need to rotate the squad to compete on multiple fronts.
A beloved player, it would serve him well to end his career at Chelsea. The Blues are a formidable force under Tuchel and Azpilicueta still has many chapters in Blue to write.
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