By Daily Sports Nigeria on June 17, 2022

Head coach Thomas Tuchel is reportedly keen to retain the services of Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta.

With a takeover of the Blues having been finalised last month, Chelsea are now free to buy, sell and negotiate new contracts with current players.

In the case of Azpilicueta, the club legend automatically activated a clause in his deal which extended his stay by a further 12 months, ending the possibility of him becoming a free agent this summer.

However, that development only confused matters with regards to the right-back’s future at a time when Barcelona are known to be keen on his signature.

Despite the 32-year-old now contracted to Chelsea until the end of 2022-23, Tuchel has previously suggested that Azpilicueta deserves to be respected when it comes to making decisions on the next phase of his career.

Taking that into consideration, it has been perceived that the Spain international will be allowed to return to his homeland should he express a desire to move to Camp Nou.

Nevertheless, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Tuchel is pushing hard to retain the services of his captain, aware that Chelsea face the prospect of losing several leadership figures.

Jorginho, who captained Chelsea in Azpilicueta’s absence last season, is being heavily linked with a return to Serie A with Juventus, while Antonio Rudiger has already departed for Real Madrid.

Although the pros and cons are likely to be extensively weighed up during conversations between all parties, it is claimed that a two-year contract is on the table for Azpilicueta at Barcelona.

Romano suggests that Azpilicueta is regarded as the ideal replacement for Dani Alves, who will be departing the Catalan side at the end of the month.

Source Sporting Sun

Posted June 17, 2022

Joshua shortlisted for 2025 British Boxing Awards

Tottenham Need Medicine Of Win At Everton -...

Messi gets chance to break Ronaldo’s Champions League...

Maddison injury 'doesn't look great' - Postecoglou

FIFA TMS workshop begins in Abuja

Anambra school sports gets date, N15m prize award...