La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are reportedly preparing a bid to secure the services of Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta this summer.
According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona will soon submit an offer to secure the services of Cesar Azpilicueta in the summer transfer window. The Catalan giants are preparing a bid for the Chelsea captain, who has already agreed to personal terms with the Blaugrana.
Cesar Azpilicueta has come leaps and bounds since joining Chelsea from Marseille nearly a decade ago. The Spaniard has been a dependable performer for the Blues during this period, reprising every role in the defensive unit. At the same time, he has risen in stature to become the club captain.
The 32-year-old has made 474 appearances for Chelsea thus far, chipping in with 17 goals and 56 assists. But Azpilicueta has entered the final year of his contract with the west London club and does not want to sign a new contract. Such a situation has captured the attention of Barcelona.
Barcelona’s squad rebuild under Xavi Hernandez is continuing this summer, with the Blaugrana securing the services of three players, including former Chelsea defensive ace Andreas Christensen. And Barcelona will continue to bolster the squad further by signing Robert Lewandowski in the coming days.
Barcelona are preparing their official proposal for César Azpilicueta. Up to Chelsea soon, as they will complete new signings and then decide on the Spanish fullback. ??? #CFC
Barcelona have an agreement on personal terms with Apzi since months ago: 2 year deal with option.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 14, 2022
The Catalan giants are also keen on signing a new right-back following the departure of Dani Alves. With Sergino Dest failing to convince Xavi in the recently-concluded season and Sergi Roberto struggling with fitness issues, Barcelona’s need to bring in a right-sided full-back is paramount, making Azpilicueta a viable target.
But Barcelona and Chelsea have yet to come closer to reaching an agreement over a summer move for Azpilicueta. Personal terms should not be an issue for the Chelsea captain, who agreed to sign a two-year deal several weeks ago. And the Catalan giants are now preparing an offer to convince the Blues to part ways with the veteran defender.
Recent reports have claimed that Barcelona could offer Chelsea a swap deal to sign Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso. But Fabrizio Romano has not revealed how much Barcelona will shell out in their bid. However, he has revealed that Chelsea will take a call on Azpilicueta’s future once they complete some signings, so we will have to wait a few more days before reaching a conclusion in this transfer saga.
