Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta is one of a number of players out of contract at the club this summer. The Blues moved to lock down Thiago Silva during the January transfer window but couldn’t get commitments from key names like Antonio Rudiger and the aforementioned Azpilicueta. According to Fabrizio Romano, Spanish giants Barcelona have offered Azpilicueta a two-year deal with the option of a further year.
Barcelona Offer Deal to Chelsea Defender Cesar Azpilicueta
How Cesar Azpilicueta Fits in at Barcelona
Ever since joining Chelsea from Marseille in 2012, Azpilicueta has gone on to make 459 appearances for the team, becoming affectionately known as “Dave” by Chelsea’s fanbase in the process. He has been the definition of consistency regardless of what formation or position he has been asked to play in, his leadership qualities were rewarded by being made club captain following the departure of Gary Cahill. He is a seasoned winner who would add quality and another veteran mind to Barcelona’s defence. With some members of Barcelona’s defence getting on, three seasons with Azpilicueta would help them find and amalgamate younger defenders to the first team while Azpilicueta is there to pass on knowledge and keep things shored up with his trademark consistency.
Chelsea Issues Piling Up
While Chelsea are blessed with attacking and creative talent further up the field their defensive woes are beginning to pile up. Ben Chilwell’s injury has left them short in the left wing-back position, assuming he comes back at his best form they’re still facing months of depth issues. As well as that a number of first-team defenders are running out of contract with no clear replacements available. Antonio Rudiger, who is not easily replaced, Andreas Christensen, and now Azpilicueta have all been seriously linked with moves away from the club. It remains to be seen if Barcelona will be able to lock down the Chelsea defender but the allure of a move back to his home country is no doubt appealing to Azpilicueta.
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