Transfer News: Chelsea captain César Azpilicueta is ‘close’ to joining Barcelona
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t Mirror) Barcelona are on the verge of reaching a three-year contract with Chelsea captain César Azpilicueta and want to make him one of their ‘star signings’ for the next season.
César Azpilicueta has proven to be an incredible cover for this campaign’s injury-ridden Chelsea lineup. The Spaniard started the season with few solid performances in the central defensive position.
But after the injury to Reece James, he excelled in his role as a wing-back, a position he often played in during his heyday. The 32-year-old has been one of the most reliable players at Chelsea for many years, but with his contract running down this summer, it seems like his time in West London is coming to an end.
The former Marseille star, so far, hasn’t shown any interest in renewing his stay. If the situation remains like this, he will be a free agent in the summer, and he will be allowed to sign a pre-contract with any club of his choice this month.
Et tu, Cesar?
Amid such a situation, Barcelona’s interest in signing the central defender has increased recently. It is believed that the Catalan giants are close to reaching a three-year contract deal with the Spaniard.
Chelsea’s contract situation with a few senior defenders is stuck in a challenging phase right now. Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen will also be out of contract in the summer if they do not pen a renewal.
If Azpilicueta leaves in the summer, a space will open up for a new defender. Chelsea have been heavily linked with Jules Kounde in recent times, but it remains to be seen if our board can get a deal for him over the line.
Chelsea need to be careful with a potential mass exodus awaiting this summer. If even two of Azpilicueta, Rudiger, and Christensen leave, Tuchel would surely need to find a replacement. It is unclear if the player or the club is not open to a renewal, but Azpi signing a new deal at Stamford Bridge would only please the fans.
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He has been a loyal servant for Chelsea for the last nine years. Fans have certainly taken him to heart, especially after the Premier League-winning season under Antonio Conte and the UEFA Champions League triumph with Tuchel. Hopefully, we will attempt to keep him here even with Barca’s interest.
