Cesar Azpilicueta eyeing Chelsea stay amidst interest from Barcelona
According to The Athletic, Cesar Azpilicueta wants to renew his current contract with Chelsea and is keen to fight for a starting eleven spot under Thomas Tuchel.
The Spaniard has been one of Chelsea’s longest-serving players. He has made 446 apeparances for the Blues and is currently seventh in the club’s all-time appearance list. The 32-year-old defender has made 19 appearances this season and provided three assists across all competition.
Azpilicueta’s current contract with the North London team is set to expire in the summer, and he will be eligible to talk to foreign teams from January. Amidst such a situation, Barcelona has been heavily linked with the Spaniard. It is believed that new manager Xavi is a massive admirer of the Blues captain and wants to sign him for free in the summer.
However, it seems Xavi hasn’t been able to convince his countryman to join the Catalan team. It is believed that Azpilicueta has made staying at Chelsea his foremost ‘priority’ and is keen to compete for a first-team place under Thomas Tuchel. But, Azpilicueta wants to secure more than one year as a ‘security’ which could become a problem for Tuchel given their regular approach to players over the age of thirty.
Antonio Rudiger’s case has been the highlight in the transfer saga as the German is most likely looking for an exit. Andreas Christensen’s contract talks have remained halted, and Thiago Silva is yet to pen down his new deal.
Tuchel promoted Trevoh Chalobah from the youth team to tackle the situation. While he has looked impressive, the 22-year-old will need to gain more first-team experience before being trusted for big tasks.
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Thus, Azpilicueta’s stay would be a big help for Thomas Tuchel. Blues ex-manager Frank Lampard promoted many youngsters in midfield and forward positions during his term. But the defence is still dependent on senior players. Thus, the Spaniard would make sure the transition goes smoothly, and his stay would buy some time for the North London team to find other alternatives.