Transfer Centre

Cesar Azpilicueta 'wants to stay at Chelsea despite Barcelona interest'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 21 December 2021

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta remains determined to stay and fight for his place at the club, despite reports linking him with a free transfer to Barcelona.

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta is reportedly keen to stay at the club beyond the end of the season amid interest from Barcelona.

The 32-year-old's contract at Stamford Bridge expires next summer, and there has so far been little movement in terms of an extension to that current deal.

Azpilicueta will be free to open talks over a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs on January 1, leading to speculation that his decade-long Chelsea career could be coming to an end next year.

Barcelona are understood to be interested in the Spain international as they continue to prioritise free transfers due to their perilous financial state.

However, The Athletic reports that Azpilicueta's preference remains to stay at Stamford Bridge and that he is "90%" likely to still be at the club next season.

The versatile defender is keen to fight for his place in Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea side and is eager to sign a new contract.

Chelsea could face something of a contract crisis next summer, with Azpilicueta one of four defenders - along with Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva and Andreas Christensen - whose deals are currently due to expire at the end of the season.

Azpilicueta has made 448 appearances for Chelsea since joining in 2012, helping the club to win every trophy available to them in domestic and continental football during that time.