Chelsea are set to face a big battle to retain their stalwart defender Cesar Azpilicueta this summer as Spanish giants FC Barcelona are reportedly plotting an offer for the Blues defender, The Sun reports.
The Catalan side are hoping to solve their full-back problems this summer with the Spain international a major target ahead of this summer’s transfer window, with Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin and Bayer Leverkusen defender Benjamin Henrichs also kept an eye on.
According to the source Chelsea and Azpilicueta would both be keen to make the deal happen if the money was right, as the 27-year-old is still contracted at the club until as far as 2020.
However, the good news is that Barca are looking for a long-term option to add to their side, and with Azpilicueta already on his best level, the Spanish side might not be splashing the cash for him – meaning that Chelsea are unlikely to receive an offer that’d satisfy both parties.
The former Marseille defender has been one of the most consistent players in the Chelsea team since his arrival in 2012, and thanks to his versatility he has become one of the best central defenders in the league following Antonio Conte’s arrival and a change of system.
