Cesar Azpilicueta is out of contract this summer. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Barcelona are said to be in direct contact with Chelsea for Cesar Azpilicueta. This is according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, who says that new rounds of talks are scheduled between the two clubs.
Azpilicueta has been linked with a move to Barcelona since the start of the summer transfer window. Now, the two clubs are in direct contact about him, with Barcelona said to want to speed up the negotiations.
The 32-year-old has been a pivotal player for the Blues since his move to Stamford Bridge from French side Marseille in 2012. A fan favourite, the Spaniard has gone on to win all available trophies to him with Chelsea. But now it looks the captain may depart from the club.
The full-back is said to be waiting for the clubs to agree on a fee, as he already has a deal in place with the Catalunya club that will keep him there till 2024. Should a move materialise, the captain will depart after 10 long years at west London.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are looking for his replacement. Thomas Tuchel is only left with Reece James at the right-back position, should Azpilicueta leave. This could be a problem for both the club and the player.
The Blues are said to be interested in signing Josko Gvardiol and Jules Kounde, but they both are mainly centre-backs. The Spaniard could play both in the back three and as a right-back when and as required. Tuchel may have a tough time replacing such an experienced and veteran defender.
If the Blues cannot find a replacement for him, they would either have to promote a youth player to the senior squad or just pray James stays fit for the entirety of next season.
It remains to be seen if Chelsea will try and block a move for the Spaniard in case they realise they will only have James down that flank going into the next season. But it would surely be a surprise if they do so given the relationship Azpi and the Blues have enjoyed over the years.
What happens remains to be seen. It is looking very likely that the player will depart the club this summer. Whom Chelsea signs as his replacement will be one to watch out for – if they sell the Spaniard and look for someone to replace him, that is.
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