Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has provided an update on Cesar Azpilicueta’s future amid Barcelona’s interest, while the Blues eye up RC Lens’ Jonathan Clauss.
The 32-year-old Chelsea captain saw his contract automatically extended last season after triggering a clause due to reaching a certain number of games played.
However, throughout the season the full-back was constantly linked with a move to Barcelona at the end of the campaign.
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While a move is yet to materialise, it looks likely that Azpilicueta will return to his home country during the summer transfer window.
It was earlier reported that Barcelona are set to make an official transfer bid for the Spaniard in the coming days following their interest in the defender.
However, reports have previously stated that Thomas Tuchel does not want to sanction the departure of the 32-year-old until they have been able to bring replacements in this summer.
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Chelsea had agreed personal terms with Nathan Ake but it appears that the deal is now falling through as Manchester City wish to keep their defender.
Kalidou Koulibaly is set to join the club, having completed his medical ahead of a £34 million move from Napoli.
If Chelsea can bring through more defenders, it looks like Azpilicueta will leave.
Tuchel has now provided an update on Azpilicueta’s future, speaking honestly to the press.
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As quoted by Adam Newson, the German said: "We need some centre-backs – at least two to replace Andreas and Toni.
“We have Azpi (Cesar Azpilicueta) at the moment in our squad and we plan with him, but there are talks going on about his personal situation and what we want. We will be very open with you, so that makes it three.”
Jonathan Clauss of RC Lens has been linked as a potential replacement for the wing-back, a more natural option due to his ability to provide cover for Reece James.
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However, as revealed by Nizaar Kinsella, Chelsea’s Premier League rivals Manchester United have joined the race for the French international.
However, Marseille are looking to deal Chelsea a blow in their pursuit of the wing-back, wishing to sign him ahead of the Blues.
Chelsea and United are likely to only move for Clauss if departures happen first, with Azpilicueta’s future set to be sorted out with Barcelona lurking.
Chelsea will first look to bring in adequate numbers in defence before looking to move for a wing-back as they prepare to challenge at the top of the league once again next season.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Cesar Azpilicueta, Thomas Tuchel, Jonathan Clauss, Transfers, Football
Nick Emms