Cesar Azpilicueta could still join Barcelona this summer despite seeing his contract automatically extended by 12 months, while secret talks with fellow defender Antonio Rudiger have emerged, per multiple reports.
All three of Azpilicueta, Rudiger and Andreas Christensen were due to become free agents on June 30. The trio have all excelled at Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel and have all become targets for Barcelona ahead of a busy summer window at the Camp Nou.
Chelsea’s current off-field turmoil has seen restrictions put in place that prevents them from signing their stars to new deals.
However, per the Athletic, Azpilicueta has bypassed the sanctions and seen his contract extended by 12 months.
That is because a clause in the Spaniard’s contract stipulated an extension would be triggered if he reached a certain number of appearances this term.
Per the report, Azpilicueta has reached the target. And given the clause’s nature, it has not been classified as a new contract. As such, he is now on Chelsea’s books until 2023.
talkSPORT take the view that Barcelona’s pursuit is now ‘over’. With a free agent swoop off the table, the outlet reckons their interest will end.
However, the Guardian aren’t so sure that is the case. Instead, they report Barcelona could still sign Azpilicueta this summer through a normal transfer – rather than free agent pick-up.
Given Cesar Azpilicueta is 32, only a ‘small fee’ will be required to twist Chelsea’s arm. The Blues…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Chelsea – TEAMtalk…