Chelsea will look for a fee for captain Cesar Azpilicueta this summer if they are to let him join Barcelona as Todd Boehly’s stance on the matter has been revealed.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have already been left depleted in defence following the transfers of Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid and Andreas Christensen to Barcelona, but they could still be facing more departures.
Alongside Marcos Alonso, who has attracted interest from Barcelona, Azpilicueta has been linked with a transfer to the Spanish giants.
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The 32-year-old signed for Chelsea back in 2012 from Olympique de Marseille for a fee of £7 million and given what an incredible servant he has been to the Blues, he could go down as one of the greatest signings of the Premier League era.
He has won all there is to win in club football, completing an impressive haul he led Chelsea to the Super Cup and Club World Cup last season.
Making over 450 appearances for the club, losing him this summer would leave a huge void in the squad.
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Tuchel is keen to keep Azpilicueta, but has previously admitted he only wants him at Stamford Bridge if he is fully committed.
Despite the rumours, Azpilicueta is on the pre-season tour in the United States as the Blues prepare to face Club America, Charlotte FC and Arsenal over the course of their two-week long camp.
This may mean Barcelona will have to continue their patience if they want to get a deal done for the defender, according to reports.
However, Xavi Hernandez has asked the club to speed up their efforts to get him to join.
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Just a few days ago, Chelsea’s new owner, Boehly, was in Barcelona to hold talks with Joan Laporta, the club president and Mateu Alemany, the Director of Football.
While Azpilicueta has agreed personal terms with the Catalan club that would see him sign a two-year-deal, the Blues are now demanding a transfer fee to let him go.
It has been reported by Nizaar Kinsella in the Evening Standard that Chelsea want up to £7 million to sell Azpilicueta to Barcelona.
Furthermore, Goal in Spain reports that the La Liga side think the fee is excessive and not in line with the market.
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Chelsea and interim sporting director Boehly feel that due to Azpilicueta’s high-level of experience, his leadership and the fact he is rarely ever injured that they should not be letting him go for free.
The Blues would also be keen to secure a replacement before losing out on the defender as the backline would be very light.
Nathan Ake is a favoured option as a central defender and should Chelsea complete the signing of their former player, it could leave the door open for Azpilicueta.
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Jonathan Clauss of RC Lens has also been linked as a wing-back option this summer, but it appears that Marseille could seal a deal for the defender soon.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Cesar Azpilicueta, Barcelona, Todd Boehly, Transfers, Football, Premier League
Sam Collins