Transfer News: Chelsea dealt blow as Cesar Azpilicueta agrees personal terms with Barcelona
According to transfer news from Spanish journalist Gerard Romero (h/t The Express), Chelsea have been dealt a crucial blow as Cesar Azpilicueta has agreed on terms to join Barcelona in the summer.
The 32-year-old ace has been vital for us this season and has continued his fine defensive performances. He led us to Champions League glory last season and has continued to do his part in our somewhat derailed title challenge at the moment.
However, he is in the final year of his deal and could sign a pre-contract in January. Thomas Tuchel seems confident about retaining the club captain while a short-term deal was also on the cards. But it has now been revealed that the player has agreed to personal terms to sign for Barcelona.
He is understood to be on the verge of joining the Spanish club in the summer. This would come as a blow to the West London club since he would have been expected to stay out of the quartet of defenders that are primed to leave in the summer due to their contractual issues.
Azpi to leave Stamford Bridge?
The former Marseille ace is more than crucial to us at the moment. His astounding fitness levels and versatility to deputize in any role has been a blessing. Thus, his departure could not be a hole that could be filled easily anytime soon.
However, all is not lost yet. There is yet to be an official confirmation of any potential. But once the January transfer window opens, the Blues are going to be bystanders. Azpilicueta could just as simply sign a pre-contract and pack his bags for his home country in the summer.
Thus, Chelsea need to do all they can to tie the defender down to a new deal in the coming weeks. The club captain has been professional about his stance on leaving the club but the Stamford Bridge outfit need to understand that his departure would mean losing a leader at a time when we need one.
Contamos en @JijantesFC
— Gerard Romero (@gerardromero) December 28, 2021
Cesar Azpilicueta está muy cerca del Barça. El club tiene un principio de acuerdo con el defensa para incorporarse a partir de junio. Sólo unos temas personales pueden cambiar el rumbo de la operación #mercato https://t.co/vrsj4XOUJL pic.twitter.com/RfM6MGpyxS
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The current squad possesses several youngsters, and they need ample guidance. Players like Azpilicueta and Silva need to lead from the front rather than plan their exits. Thus, unless we plan on signing one or two quality centre-backs in the coming transfer windows, we cannot let the Spaniard leave in the summer.