Barcelona are confident of signing Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta on a free transfer this summer, according to a report by GOAL.
Azpilicueta, 32, has been an established member of the Blues first team since first moving to Stamford Bridge in 2012, assuming the captaincy in 2018 when Gary Cahill lost his usual place in the squad .
However, he is at odds with the club over his contract renewal, giving Barca the chance to add him to their squad.
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Azpi, a prime target for Barcelona
Keen to add quality and experience to their backline, Barcelona have made Azpilicueta a prime target for the summer transfer window. Manager Xavi is fighting hard to complete the deal, which would be completed when Azpilicueta’s current deal with Chelsea expires in June.
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Chelsea hope to be able to count on his services for 2022-23 and talks have taken place over a possible renewal. As of now though, the two sides are yet to reach an agreement as no further talks have taken place between the player and the club since early January.
The report says the Blues are only willing to offer the 32-year-old a one-year extension with the option of a further season due to the Spain international’s age, less than would be on the table with Barca.
The bigger picture
Azpilicueta joined Chelsea from Marseille in the summer of 2012, becoming both a reliable defender and a fan favorite at Stamford Bridge, racking up over 450 appearances during his nine-and-a-half years at the club, scoring 14 goals and 56 assists decisive.
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During that time, he helped the Londoners win a host of trophies, including two Premier League titles and last year’s Champions League.
Azpilicueta’s versatility has been key for the Blues over the years, a natural at centre-back but more than capable at right-back when his services are required away from home. His leadership has also been notable, with several Chelsea managers noting his contributions to the club.
Current boss Thomas Tuchel admitted this in March 2021, saying: “If you have a guy who is so humble, so full of quality, so ready to give everything for the team, to have the mentality of a water, helping everyone on and off the pitch, a smile every day in training, every time ready – that’s a gift for every manager and, in my opinion, every team. He’s key.”
