New Barcelona boss Xavi ‘is keen to sign experienced Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta on a free transfer’, with the Spaniard in the final year of his deal at Stamford Bridge
- Cesar Azpilicueta is currently in the final year of his contract at Chelsea
- The Spaniard is in talks with the club but could still leave on a free transfer
- Barcelona are monitoring the 32-year-old’s contract situation at Stamford Bridge
- New manager Xavi would be keen to bring his experience to the Nou Camp
Barcelona are reportedly monitoring the contract situation of Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta.
The Spanish defender. who has been at Stamford Bridge since 2012, is in the final year of his deal with the European champions.
He is yet to commit his future to Thomas Tuchel’s side and would currently be free to speak to foreign clubs about a pre-contract agreement in January.
Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta is in the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge
New Barcelona boss Xavi would be keen to bring Azpilicueta’s experience to the Nou Camp
ESPN have reported that his situation has alerted Barcelona, who could look to bring the experienced defender to the Nou Camp.
Chelsea are said to be in talks to prolong his stay in London by signing him to a new contract.
Should the Spaniard run down his fresh terms, however, cash-strapped Barcelona could look to swoop in and sign him on a free transfer next summer.
Azpilicueta could be set to leave the European champions on a free at the end of the season
Xavi previously played alongside Azpilicueta for the Spanish international team (seen in 2013)
New Barcelona boss Xavi is particularly keen to secure the versatile Chelsea defender.
Xavi is said to value his ability to play at right-back, on the right of a back-three or even as a centre-back in a back-four, where he has played on occasion for Spain.
The 32-year-old would add leadership and experience to a youthful backline at the club which includes the likes of Sergino Dest, Eric Garcia, Oscar Mingueza and Ronald Araujo – who are all 22 and under.
Xavi has already brought the experience of former team-mate Dani Alves to the Nou Camp
Barcelona have already made a move for an experienced defender since Xavi’s arrival, with Dani Alves returning to the Nou Camp last week.
Alves, 38, joined on a contract until the end of the season, though he won’t be able to play until January when the transfer window reopens.
Azpilicueta has made 442 appearances for Chelsea since his £7m arrival from Marseille in August 2012.
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