Barcelona are set to make an official transfer bid for Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta amid their heavy interest in the defender, according to reports.
Azpilicueta has been linked with the Catalan side since the January transfer window as the Spanish international approached the end of his contract at Stamford Bridge.
His deal was soon extended after he played a certain number of games last season, with his contract now set to expire next summer.
However this has not deterred Barcelona from pursuing the 32-year-old, who has just finished his tenth season at Chelsea.
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According to Fabrizio Romano, the La Liga giants are set to make their ‘official proposal’ for the signing of Azpilicueta this summer.
It is believed that such a decision is now down to Chelsea, who will complete their own new signings before making a decision on their captain.
Previous reports have revealed that Blues boss Thomas Tuchel does not want to sanction the departure of the club legend until they have been able to bring in their own defensive options in the transfer window.
Chelsea are set to sign Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli and are also thought to be interested in Paris Saint-Germain’s Presnel Kimpembe, with a deal for Nathan Ake now falling through.
These targets have been identified to fill the centre-back positions at the club, a role that Azpilicueta has sometimes played during his Chelsea career.
He regularly featured at right wing-back last season, filling in for Reece James when he was injured throughout the course of the campaign.
A move away from Stamford Bridge this summer would spell the end of a ten-year career at Chelsea, having joined from Marseille back in 2012.
The defender has gone on to become one of the club’s most successful ever players, having lifted every major trophy possible during an illustrious stint in west London.
He would be one of the club’s first departures of the summer if a transfer is agreed, with the Blues now focusing their attention on new arrivals ahead of the new campaign.
They have already welcomed their first signing of the window, with Raheem Sterling sealing a move from reigning Premier League Champions Manchester City.
Upon his arrival, Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly said: "Raheem Sterling is a serial winner and his signing is an important step in strengthening our squad.
"We are delighted for Raheem to return to London with Chelsea, and we look forward to seeing his world-class talent on display at Stamford Bridge."
Topics: Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Barcelona, Football, Transfers
Robert Calcutt