Chelsea captain and defender Cesar Azpilicueta was unwilling to discuss his future at the club amid continued links over a summer move to Barcelona.
Addressing the reporters ahead of Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup clash against Al Hilal, Cesar Azpilicueta refused to be drawn into talks over his future at Stamford Bridge as links to Barcelona continue to do the rounds.
Azpilicueta has been with Chelsea since 2012 when he arrived from Ligue 1 club Olympique Marseille. The Spanish international has grown into a cult hero at Stamford Bridge, enjoying a successful near decade-long stint with the club. However, his time at the west London outfit could be drawing to a close.
Azpilicueta is in the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge, and talks over a new deal are yet to bear fruit. It has led to intense speculation over his future, with Barcelona emerging as one of his strongest suitors.
The Catalans are in the market for a new right-back as Dani Alves will be out of contract at the end of the season. Meanwhile, Sergino Dest is staring at an uncertain future, with former club AFC Ajax reportedly eyeing a reunion with the USMNT international.
? (AZPILICUETA): César Azpilicueta has an official offer on the table from Barcelona. He is really attracted.
• The player hasn't informed Chelsea of his final decision yet.
• Barça are frontrunners and confident of signing him.
Via (?): @FabrizioRomano @podcastherewego pic.twitter.com/g7jCmm1Mss
— Barça Buzz (@Barca_Buzz) February 8, 2022
As a result, the Blaugrana are looking for a new right-sided full-back, settling on Azpilicueta as a key target. Recent reports have claimed that the Catalan giants have already reached an agreement with the Spanish international to sign him on a Bosman move at the end of the season.
When quizzed about the links to Barcelona and his future at Chelsea, Azpilicueta opted to keep his cards close to the chest and did not give anything away. As relayed by GOAL, he said: “I’m not going to speak about my future. We are one day before the semi-final of the tournament.
“Of course, I arrived in the summer of 2012 and I didn’t have kids. My kids were born in London and you know how I feel about Chelsea. But I am not going to comment on my future.”
Azpilicueta has made over 450 appearances for Chelsea since signing from Marseille. He has won two UEFA Europa League titles, two Premier League crowns and the Champions League. The Blues’ skipper will now be hoping to add the FIFA Club World Cup to his trophy collection, with his team scheduled to face Al Hilal in the semifinal on Wednesday.