Barcelona and Chelsea have reportedly reached an agreement in principle over a deal for veteran Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta.
According to a report by Spanish publication SPORT, Barcelona and Chelsea have agreed to a deal in principle over a deal for Cesar Azpilicueta in the summer transfer window. The Blaugrana will shell out between €4 million and €5 million to secure the services of the veteran Spanish defender, who will pen a two-year contract with an option to add another year.
Cesar Azpilicueta seems to be reaching the end of the line at Chelsea after a decade of service at Stamford Bridge. The 32-year-old has been one of the biggest assets for the west London club since arriving from Marseille, proving his worth by performing consistently across every defensive position.
The Spaniard, who has turned out 474 times for the Blues thus far while chipping in with 17 goals and 56 assists, earned the status of being the Chelsea captain following Gary Cahill’s departure. But Azpilicueta’s time at Chelsea seems to be coming to an end, with Barcelona keen on securing his services this summer.
Barcelona initially wanted to sign Azpilicueta as a replacement for Sergino Dest, who has failed to convince Xavi Hernandez since the Barcelona legend’s appointment as the new manager. Dani Alves seemed set to continue for another year at Camp Nou before possibly hanging up his boots.
But the veteran Brazilian defender did not receive a new contract from Barcelona before departing from Camp Nou for the second time this summer. And with Dest’s long-term future not set in stone, Azpilicueta is a viable candidate to hit the ground running and become Barcelona’s first-choice right-back.
Recent reports claimed that Barcelona had been preparing an offer to sign Azpilicueta. And the Catalan giants have now agreed to a deal in principle with Chelsea for the veteran Spanish defender, who will sign a two-year contract at Camp Nou. Barcelona will also reserve the option of adding another year to the deal.
According to SPORT, Barcelona will shell out between €4 million and €5 million for the Chelsea captain, who could become their fifth summer signing. So after chasing Azpilicueta for months, Barcelona will finally bolster the right-back berth, leaving Xavi relieved.
