Cesar Azpilicueta’s move to Barcelona is ‘very well on track’ as Chelsea are targeting replacements this summer.
The 32-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer despite triggering a one-year extension last season.
The Blues captain had reached the number of matches required for the extension last season, with it previously believed that he would have joined Barcelona on a free transfer if given the opportunity.
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The most recent reports have stated that Barcelona are set to make an official bid for the defender as they wish to sign him this summer.
However, Thomas Tuchel does not wish to sanction the departure of the club legend until they have been able to bring in their own defensive options in the transfer window.
Kalidou Koulibaly has already arrived from Napoli in a £34 million deal this summer, while Jules Kounde is being heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
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Tuchel has recently made an honest admission about his captain, stating that there are ongoing talks regarding his future.
He said: “We need some centre-backs – at least two to replace Andreas and Toni.
“We have Azpi (Cesar Azpilicueta) at the moment in our squad and we plan with him, but there are talks going on about his personal situation and what we want. We will be very open with you, so that makes it three.”
The latest reports have now revealed that a deal is still set to go ahead this summer.
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According to Matteo Moretto, Barcelona’s deal for Azpilicueta is ‘very well on track’.
The transfer ‘seems like a matter of time’ as Chelsea are targeting replacements for their captain.
The journalist continues to name RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardio and Sevilla centre-back Kounde as the two primary targets for Tuchel.
This comes after Presnel Kimpembe does not want to leave PSG, after being heavily linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge.
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Therefore, Chelsea have turned their attention elsewhere, with Kounde coming back into the equation.
The Blues are now said to be ‘very close’ to reaching an agreement with Sevilla over a transfer for the 23-year-old.
"It was clear we tried for Kounde and Saul and it was very, very late but it was a very, very smooth transfer window because I had full concentration on training and on my team," Tuchel admitted last year as Chelsea previously held interest in the Frenchman.
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It remains to be seen as to how many players the Blues would like to get in before allowing Azpilicueta to depart, with the wing-back market looking a difficult one this summer.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Thomas Tuchel, Transfers, Barcelona, Premier League, Football, Jules Kounde, Josko Gvardiol
Nick Emms