Barcelona remain confident of signing Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta as he is awaiting a ‘green light’ for the transfer, according to reports.
The 32-year-old saw his contract automatically extended at Stamford Bridge last season due to a clause in his deal regarding the number of games played.
This resulted in Barcelona having to pay a fee for the Spaniard if they are to sign him this summer, but the La Liga side have been unwilling to do so as of now.
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When asked about Azpilicueta’s situation, ThomasTuchel admitted that the Blues may not allow him to leave unless Barcelona value him at a higher price.
He said: “It's a tough question because I am not sure if I want to give Azpi what he wants.
"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.
"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.”
But, as reported by Relevo, Barcelona remain confident of completing a deal despite Tuchel’s latest comments.
The player is said to be waiting for the ‘green light’ to complete his switch to the Camp Nou and put an end to his Chelsea career.
However, Chelsea and Barcelona are said to have ‘tension’ between the clubs after the Spaniards hijacked a deal for Raphinha earlier in the window and now appear to have beaten the Blues to the signing of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.
The Blues will look to bring a replacement in for Azpilicueta if they are to allow their captain to depart in the transfer window.
It remains to be seen as to whether a deal can be struck between the two sides, with Barcelona also interested in Marcos Alonso this summer.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Cesar Azpilicueta, Barcelona, Football, Thomas Tuchel, Transfers
Nick Emms