Chelsea star ‘convinced’ he will leave this summer with transfer agreement already sorted
Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta is ‘convinced’ he will end his long association with the club and join Barcelona this summer, according to a report.
Azpilicueta left Marseille in August 2012 to join the Blues, just a few months after their first Champions League triumph. The defender has gone on to become a reliable player at Stamford Bridge and has lifted several trophies for them.
That includes last season’s Champions League and then the UEFA Super Cup. Azpilicueta has also won two Premier League titles while representing Chelsea.
The right-back, who can operate as a centre-back too, has made 37 appearances so far this term. He has found the net twice, once in the UCL and once in the FA Cup.
Azpilicueta’s future with the Blues is uncertain, though. His contract had been due to expire this summer, leading to rumours of a free transfer to Barcelona.
According to a report in late March, a one-year extension for the 32-year-old activated after he reached a certain number of appearances this season. However, Azpilicueta could still move on by asking Chelsea to sell him.
Cesar Azpilicueta has ‘agreement’ to leave Chelsea
Spanish source Diario Sport claim Azpilicueta has an ‘agreement in principle’ with Barca to move to Catalonia in the summer.
He favours a transfer to Barca so he can work with Xavi. That is despite interest from other clubs in Europe.
Spanish newspaper Sport add to the transfer links. They state Azpilicueta is ‘convinced’ he will be allowed to leave Chelsea later this year.
Blaugrana officials are ‘confident’ a deal can be struck with their counterparts in west London. And it shouldn’t cost them too much as the star’s contract expires next year.
The report adds that Azpilicueta wants to finalise his future as soon as possible. However, it is being delayed by the uncertainty surrounding Chelsea’s ownership.
Roman Abramovich will sell in the next few months and potential suitors are lining up to replace him.
Azpilicueta could end his hugely successful spell with Chelsea by helping them win the FA Cup. Thomas Tuchel’s side beat Crystal Palace in the semi-final on Sunday afternoon.
It means they will play Liverpool in the final of the domestic competition on Saturday May 14.
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