Cesar Azpilicueta will STAY at Chelsea this summer with the Spaniard considering a new two-year deal

Cesar Azpilicueta’s resolution to remain at Chelsea deprives Xavi of the defender he most needed to construct his new look Barcelona round.

The Spanish worldwide who turns 33 on the finish of this month was one of many first gamers the Barca coach referred to as final December when he was making an attempt to organise January arrivals to rescue the membership’s season.

The need to convey him in has remained this summer season with Azpilicueta earmarked to play at right-back whereas additionally providing Xavi the possibility to play with a again three and even give cowl to Jordi Alba at left-back.

Cesar Azpilicueta has been massively influential for Chelsea since arriving in the summertime of 2012

It’s a enormous increase for boss Thomas Tuchel who’s already having to re-build his defensive unit

Xavi has additionally been eager to bolster the character of his squad. He needs skilled, battle-hardened winners and, as with Robert Lewandowski, he noticed these qualities within the Spain worldwide.

Azpilicueta instructed Xavi final December that as Chelsea membership captain there was no approach he would go away them mid-season however this summer season he was open to a transfer if one thing may very well be sorted out between the 2 golf equipment.

Earlier than Roman Abramovich offered the membership, Azpilicueta was assured that he can be allowed to maneuver on a free regardless of taking part in a enough variety of video games final season to routinely renew his deal.

The defender has been linked with a transfer to Barca, with Xavi eager so as to add his expertise

That willingness on behalf of Chelsea modified when Todd Boehly got here in and Marina Granovskaia left. 

Boehly felt that he couldn’t let his captain go away no before take cost at the very least not and not using a big-name new arrival.

Chelsea knew they have been setting Azpilicueta’s worth past Barcelona’s attain after they slapped a 10m euros tag on him.

Their resolve to not promote was stiffened as they allowed defenders to depart the membership and missed out on replacements – none extra so than Jules Kounde who joined Barcelona regardless of Chelsea’s provide satisfying Sevilla.

Chelsea’s new co-owner Todd Boehly felt that he couldn’t let his captain go away this summer season

There was nonetheless hope at Barcelona that they might do enterprise with Chelsea by together with him in a deal for Memphis Depay, Frenkie de Jong or Pierre Emerick Aubameyang however the tactic failed.

And whereas Azpilicueta was open to becoming a member of Xavi he was by no means so eager to depart Chelsea as to place himself in opposition to the membership in the best way that Lewandowski had accomplished at Bayern Munich.

His household are very settled in London and happy they’re staying and the participant himself can be proud of the end result. He needed the problem resolved earlier than the beginning of the season.

He’ll signal a two-year contract and Barcelona will return to the drafting board when it comes to bringing in an choice at right-back. earlier than their season begins on August 13.