Cesar Azpilicueta is a wanted man, with Barcelona renewing their interest, according to Fabrizio Romano. But as per the Italian journalist, Thomas Tuchel “would love” to keep the player.
The Chelsea defender triggered a one-year extension in his contract in March, keeping him at the club until next summer. But Spanish giants Barcelona are looking to snap up the Chelsea captain.
Thomas Tuchel “Would Love to Keep” Cesar Azpilicueta as Barcelona Renew Interest
Barcelona Bolster Defence With Youth and Experience
Barcelona have confirmed again to César Azpilicueta their intention to negotiate again with Chelsea in order to sign him. 🔵🔴 #FCB
No full agreement between clubs yet, as Tuchel would love to keep Azpi but Barcelona will be on it again, after completing Koundé deal. pic.twitter.com/YhXEXhjQTd
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 27, 2022
Romano also says that part of the reason why Barcelona “will be on it again”, i.e pursuing the signature of Azpilicueta, is due to the impending Jules Kounde deal. The latest on the Kounde deal is that a verbal agreement is in place for the player to join Barcelona from Sevilla. Personal terms are agreed and the contract is ready but further negotiations are needed to finalise the deal.
Azpilicueta would therefore provide a great source of experience and quality for compatriot Xavi. The 32-year-old has amassed over 320 Premier League appearances for Chelsea since 2021 and still has a lot more left to give.
But Chelsea would have to be careful about shipping out their captain. Azpilicueta has been club captain since Frank Lampard’s appointment in 2019. During his Chelsea career, he has helped the Blues to win a whole raft of trophies. This includes two Premier League titles, an FA Cup (plus four runners up medals), the Champions League, Europa League, Super Cup and Club World Cup.
Kounde comes to Barcelona with winning experience, having helped Sevilla to their sixth Europa League title and starred in the 2021 UEFA Nations League final, with France beating Spain. He is still a growing talent at 23 years old, so if Xavi and Laporta can lure in Azpilicueta as well this summer it would be a great coup, offering younger players like Kounde a sterling example to follow.
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