Barcelona are reportedly interested in Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta and the Blues should be wary of the rumours turning the Spaniard’s head.
All the current speculation surrounds players on their way into Stamford Bridge, but now there’s a rumour about a player who might leave. Barcelona are supposedly interested in Cesar Azpilicueta and the Chelsea man may be tempted by a move to his home country.
According to the Metro, the Spanish giants are lining up a move for the highly-rated Blues defender.
"Barcelona are reportedly switching their focus to signing Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta after cooling their interest in the transfer of Arsenal‘s Hector Bellerin.The club’s new manager Ernesto Valverde is said to be ‘in love’ with the versatile 27-year-old, and says if there is a chance of signing him then his arrival is a must."
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Azpilicueta has built a reputation as one of the Premier League’s best defenders. Having played out at left back during Chelsea’s successful 2014/15 campaign, he was reinvented in a defensive trio last season.
With a no fuss and no frills style of play, Azpilicueta is a wonderfully dull player. He goes about his job efficiently and with little trouble. He can also help offensively, as he has shown on numerous occasions.
These qualities make him an ideal candidate for a Barcelona team. Hence, these rumours of Catalan interest should worry the Blues. As a Spaniard, Azpilicueta could be swayed by the idea of playing for one of Spain’s (and world football’s) greatest teams.
Chelsea have signed Antonio Rudiger, but Azpilicueta is not the player that fans want him replacing. Rudiger should eventually take over from Gary Cahill, but this Barcelona interest could throw a spanner in the works.
As one of the only players to perform at an appropriate level during the disastrous 2015/16 campaign, Azpilicueta commands the respect of the fans. Hence, the club should act quickly to ensure that he is not lured away. Whether that means improved terms or a longer contract, the Blues must recommit to him, even if his last extension was agreed only last December.
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What do you think of this rumour? Are you worried about a potential Azpilicueta exit? Sound off in the comments below!