Despite there being claims that Barcelona have closed the signing of Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta already, it might not seem so.
The 32-year-old has emerged as one of the Catalan giants’ main targets for the summer transfer window as they look to add more solidity and experience to the backline. What makes him an even more appealing target is that the versatile defender is set to become a free agent in the summer.
Indeed, Azpilicueta’s current contract with Chelsea stands to expire at the end of the season and Barcelona were intent on capitalising on the situation.
However, as per fresh reports from Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea could put a wrinkle in the Blaugrana’s plans as they have a unilateral option to extend their captain’s contract by another year. Such a move would mean that the Spaniard would not become a free agent in the summer.
Despite the possibility of such an occurrence, the report states that Barça are still ready to press ahead with their interest in the ex-Marseille ace. They believe that the player is keen on moving to Camp Nou and will push to make the transfer happen by convincing Chelsea not to extend his deal.
The report further claims that Barcelona want Azpilicueta as an option at centre-back and not at right-back, as has previously been reported. The Catalans see his versatility as of great value but see him as a central defensive reinforcement rather than out wide where Dani Alves’ contract is expiring.
Azpilicueta has spent ten years with Chelsea and has won almost everything there is to be at club level. He is scheduled for a meeting with the Blues hierarchy in the coming weeks to discuss his future.
WIth Barcelona offering him a chance to return to his homeland, along with a longer two-year contract with an option of an additional twelve months, the 32-year-old is tempted to make the jump, as per the report.
Whether a transfer does come to fruition, or if Chelsea decide to intervene by extending his contract remains to be seen.
