Cesar Azpilicueta is reportedly still very keen on signing a fresh deal with Chelsea despite the interest from Barcelona.
This is according to The Athletic, who say Barca’s intrigue has only slashed the chances of Azpilicueta remaining at Stamford Bridge ‘from 99 per cent to 90 per cent.’
What is the situation with Cesar?
The Spain international is out of contract next summer, with foreign clubs able to negotiate the terms of a transfer from January 1st.
Understandably, this has spiked the curiosity of the Camp Nou hierarchy, who are looking for players on the cheap to rebuild their crumbled camp.
Xavi is said to be a ‘huge admirer’ of the defender, having worked together during their days away with the Spanish national side.
As much as this admiration must be flattering, Azpilicueta apparently still has his heart set on staying at Chelsea.
He is a key figure within Thomas Tuchel’s squad, despite playing fewer minutes than he would’ve liked this season.
The captain went five Premier League games without making a single appearance between the end of October and the start of December.
Due to injuries and covid concerns, the 32-year-old is back amongst the fold and feeling like he belongs again.
Azpilicueta asks for extra safety
Of course, Azpilicueta will always have a home here in South West London.
Almost from the day he left Marseille in 2012, he has been cemented into the Blues framework.
“Azpi’s professionalism means he is going to be as important for us this year as he always is,” said Frank Lampard last September.
But despite his attachment to the team, time is running out to renew the skipper’s contract.
The Athletic stat Azpilicueta wants more than a one-year extension, which is seemingly what Thiago Silva will be offered.
He needs security heading into the final stretch of his career, not the uncertainty he is going through now.
As Rio Ferdinand famously said: “Get the contract out, put it on the table, let him sign it, let him write whatever numbers he wants to put on there…”
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