Cesar Azpilicueta agrees to sign for Barcelona as a free agent this summer

Chelsea are preparing for a squad overhaul this summer, with several players expected to leave the club for reasons ranging from contract situation to being unsettled. The announcement of new owners on the horizon has brought a sense of calm and stability to the club. Some players have already sorted summer moves, while others are willing to wait for a dialogue with the new owners before deciding on their future. Barcelona have made Chelsea a shopping center. Both clubs are no strangers to transfer deals, as the Blaugranas have already snapped up Andreas Christensen on a free transfer. 

The Catalans were in for Antonio Rudiger, but his high-class wage demands proved too much for the club. They are eyeing a move for Marcos Alonso, but the Spaniard has chosen to wait on the new owners at Stamford Bridge before deciding his future. While that deal may come later, the Spanish giants are looking to poach his teammate and club captain Cesar Azpilicueta. 

According to several reports, Barcelona have reached an agreement with Azpi over a two-year deal. The contract includes the option of a 12-month extension. The lucrative package would see the two-time premier league champion earn a hefty 13 million euros a year at Camp Nou. Azpilicueta is eligible for an extension to his expiring deal with Chelsea but is seriously tempted by a return to Spain after spending ten years in London. However, he would wait until the end of the campaign to make a final decision on his future, with the Blues chasing a Top Four finish and a possible FA Cup title this month.

Chelsea will potentially lose their entire first-team backline except for Thiago Silva, whose experience would be of great value to the young players who would have to step up. Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea have already lined up a plethora of possible replacements, with Torino’s Gleison Bremmer, Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol, and Villarreal’s Pau Torres all linked with a move to London. However, the club will certainly find it difficult to replace Azpilicueta, whose experience and versatility have been invaluable to Chelsea and their success in recent years.