Barcelona reportedly want Cesar Azpilicueta to hand in a transfer request to speed up a potential move from Chelsea to the Nou Camp this summer....CONTINUE READING
Chelsea captain Azpilicueta is under contract at Stamford Bridge until next year but is thought to be keen on a return to Spain.
The 32-year-old, who has won every major European and domestic trophy during his decade at Chelsea, is believed to be reluctant to ask club chiefs to allow him to leave.
Cesar Azpilicueta has been at Chelsea for 10 years but could leave the club this summer
According to The Sun, Azpilicueta is coming under increasing pressure to push for a move as Barcelona are hoping to bring him to the Nou Camp in time for the start of pre-season training next month.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is set to hold talks with Azpilicueta, who has made 474 appearances for the Blues, regarding the player’s future.
Barca are attempting to fill the void at right back left by club legend Dani Alves, who has confirmed he is leaving for a second time.
The Spanish giants have warned they may pursue other options if they cannot convince Azpilicueta to depart.
Chelsea captain, 32, is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2023 and could be made to stay
Barcelona boss Xavi wants to sign Azpilicueta in time for the start of pre-season next month
Chelsea, under new ownership after Todd Boehly’s consortium bought the club from Roman Abramovich in a £4.25billion deal, are facing a defensive exodus in the summer and will need to refresh their backline if they are to challenge the runaway pair of Manchester City and Liverpool next season.
Andreas Christensen has already left to join Barca, while Antonio Rudiger has signed for Real Madrid.
Azpilicueta has also reportedly been mentioned in Barca’s talks with Chelsea over their interest in wonderkid Alejandro Balde.
Chelsea are interested in signing Balde, 18, and Barca could use the player as bait in potential deals for Azpilicueta and team-mate Marcos Alonso.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel (left) is set to hold talks with his captain over the player’s future
