Thomas Tuchel has been left ‘a little bit’ frustrated by Barcelona’s pursuit of Cesar Azpilicueta and has warned he may not get his move this summer due to their valuation of such a ‘huge player’ for the club.
The 32-year-old wants to leave Chelsea for Barcelona this summer, and the Spanish side are pursuing on with their attempts to bring him to the Camp Nou.
Barcelona had been hoping to land the Spain international on a free transfer, but his deal was automatically extended by a further year because of hitting an appearance clause which triggered his contract.
Xavi’s side want Azpilicueta, but Chelsea aren’t prepared to give in easily despite their club captain’s wish to leave Stamford Bridge after 10 years service.
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“It's a tough question because I am not sure if I want to give Azpi what he wants,” responded Tuchel in the United States, as quoted by Standard Sport, on the defender’s future.
"At some point it is about what we want. I just made the comparison about how much we fought for (Kalidou) Koulibaly, who is a national team player and roughly the same age.
“He is a hugely important player for Napoli but we have a Spanish international who is the captain at Chelsea.
"I see him maybe at the same level but Barcelona don’t see him on that level. So I am not sure if I want to give him what he wants as he is a huge player.
“We don't think so much about other clubs. The focus is on us and what we need.
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"I said that to him and I say it to you that I understand on a personal and a career level. But I am not only in this role to give him what he wants.
"I am a manager for Chelsea who wants to do what's best for Chelsea.
“He doesn't like it but he understands. It is tough for him because the other club is permanently on him.
"On the first of September when things calm down, then he can play on his highest level.”
Tuchel was asked if he had been annoyed by Barcelona’s aggressive pursuit of Cesar Azpilicueta.
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He responded: “Maybe a little bit.”
Chelsea paid £34 million for Koulibaly from Napoli, who also had one year left on his contract in Naples.
Despite Tuchel’s unwillingness to grant what Azpilicueta wants, currently, they are closing in on the signing of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde after agreeing a £55 million fee with the La Liga side.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel, Barcelona, Football
