Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta has been a club legend. . (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
According to the reliable Italian journalist, Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Barcelona and Chelsea will meet this week to work out the transfer deal for Blues skipper Cesar Azpilicueta.
The Spanish veteran is one of Chelsea’s longest-serving players and has amassed a staunch fan following since his move to Stamford Bridge in 2012. He has since made 474 appearances for the Blues, scoring 17 goals and assisting 55 more.
At 32, Azpilicueta remains a key player for the Blues but his age is starting to show. The veteran has won everything he possibly can with the club and could now be set for a new journey back in his homeland.
Barcelona, despite their financial struggles, have been active in the transfer market. They have already landed Andreas Christensen on a free from Chelsea and are eyeing more recruits from Stamford Bridge.
Direct contact will take place between the two clubs this week regarding Azpilicueta and an agreement could potentially be in the offing. The Catalans are keen to get the deal over the line and are hoping for a quick resolution.
The 32-year-old could be set to sign a two-year deal with the Nou Camp outfit with the option of a one-year extension. This more or less will ensure that Azpilicueta will spend the last of his best years in football at Barcelona.
The Catalans will also hold talks regarding Chelsea full-back Marcos Alonso. The left-back is keen to move to Barcelona and might become the third player to swap the Blue of Chelsea for the colours of the Blaugrana.
At 31, Alonso is not getting any younger and is unlikely to play a big role at the club. More so, he will have to settle for a spot on the bench once Ben Chilwell returns to action. It is clear to see why the veteran is keen to return to Spain to kickstart his career.
Losing Azpilicueta and Alonso in addition to Christensen and Antonio Rudiger largely wipes out Chelsea’s defensive core. The loss of these four players will also be felt in terms of leadership and it is something that needs to be addressed.
Thomas Tuchel’s success at Stamford Bridge has largely been spearheaded by a robust defence. Having to rebuild that once-mighty armour will test both his and Chelsea’s transfer acumen this summer.
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