Barcelona want Cesar Azpilicueta to engage in transfer talk to Chelsea

Roman Abramovich and Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta with Champions League trophy
Roman Abramovich and Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta with Champions League trophy | Photo Credit: IMAGO

Barcelona reportedly want Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta to hand in a transfer request to facilitate his potential move to the Nou Camp this summer.

The Chelsea defender is a transfer target for Xavi’s side. However, he is under contract at Stamford Bridge until next year, with Chelsea unwilling to sanction his sale this summer. 

But according to a report in The Sun, Azpilicueta is keen on a return to Spain, having spent ten years at Stamford Bridge while winning every European and domestic trophy available in that period. 

The Sun also claim that Barcelona want Azpilicueta to pressure Chelsea chiefs to allow him to leave. The Catalan side are hoping to bring him to the Nou Camp in time for the start of pre-season training next month.

Barcelona want the Spain international who has made 474 appearances for the Blues to fill the void at right-back left by club legend Dani Alves, who has confirmed he is leaving for a second time. 

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel will hold talks with Azpilicueta to sort out his Premier League future and avoid a late departure. 

The London side are facing a defensive exodus in the summer and will need to refresh their back-line if they are to challenge the runaway pair of Manchester City and Liverpool next season.

They have already lost two members of the back-line this summer, with Andreas Christensen already joined Barca, while Antonio Rudiger has signed for Real Madrid.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are interested in signing Barca wonderkid Alejandro Balde. The Blues are reportedly looking to use the 18-year-old as bait in potential deals for Azpilicueta and teammate Marcos Alonso.