Two teams grabbing all headlines in this transfer window are indeed Chelsea and Barcelona. Not only they are fighting in the market for the same player but have also been linked to players of opposition teams. After Christensen’s move to the Catalonian capital, Barcelona still eyes a couple of more Blues. One prominent name is of Chelsea’s captain, Cesar Azpilicueta.
Azpilicueta remains Chelsea’s current longest-serving player after joining the club in 2012. Since then, he has played a major role in Chelsea’s every success, lifting every possible trophy with the club. Recently Azpilicueta has played second fiddle to young Reece James for the right wing-back/right-back role and was often switched with Christensen and Chalobah at the right side of back 3. This has opened doors for an exit and Barcelona looking for the best suitors.
Azpi is one of the most versatile players as the Spaniard can play in any position in the backline. He can very well operate on the left side but has majorly played on the right side of the defence. With Xavi’s fluid system of a back 3 formation with the ball, Cesar Azpilicueta can be very beneficial at the right center-back position. In this position he has enjoyed huge success, winning the Champions League under Tuchel and the Premier League under Antonio Conte. Still 32, Azpilicueta can very well give some good seasons at the Catalonian side.
With him gaining the confidence of Luis Enrique, Azpilicueta has earned a position in the National Team and now eyes the World Cup. A move back to Spain will definitely aid the cause as Xavi can promise the full-back some guaranteed minutes, something that is not assured at Chelsea currently with Tuchel looking for specialized center-backs. Also with Dani Alves’ departure, Xavi will be looking for an experienced campaigner in the dressing room. Current Chelsea captain thus could be the perfect fit for the same, being a crucial member of the leadership group at Chelsea for some time.
The move is very much dependent on the Jules Kounde deal as both Barcelona and Chelsea are going head to head for the French center-back. Kounde’s move to London will very well act as a catalyst for Azpilicueta’s move but if Kounde decides otherwise, Chelsea will try everything to retain one of their biggest assets of recent history.
