Chelsea club captain Cesar Azpilicueta has ended speculation over his future by agreeing to a one-year extension to his current contract that will keep the Spaniard at Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2024, football.london understands.
Barcelona approached Azpilicueta regarding a move to the Camp Nou ahead of the summer transfer window and were prepared to offer the 32-year-old a lucrative two-year contract with the option of a further year. Azpilicueta was understood to be keen on making the switch after ten years at Stamford Bridge.
However, the Catalan giants never submitted an official bid to Chelsea for Azpilicueta, who wanted his future resolved ahead of the start of the Premier League season. That resulted in the Blues offering to extend the defender's contract – which expired next summer – by a further year.
READ MORE Chelsea blindspot highlighted by £20m transfer decision that has excited Todd Boehly
Azpilicueta is believed to have accepted the offer from Chelsea yesterday and reports in Spain claim he informed Barcelona and the club's head coach, Xavi Hernandez, of his decision this morning. Barcelona will now have to look elsewhere to improve their backline, although they retain an interest in Marcos Alonso.
Thomas Tuchel is likely to be pleased by Azpilicueta's decision with the Spain international's professionalism and leadership hugely valued by the Chelsea head coach. Speaking in May, Tuchel said: "He is everything Chelsea is about and I’m so happy that he’s the captain.
"He’s humble, hard-working and a nice, polite guy. "I’m happy it sets the example, the tone and the atmosphere on the very highest level. I’m very happy that it’s possible in football for a guy like this to win all the trophies and to really succeed at the top level."
READ NEXT:
- Thomas Tuchel must avoid Antonio Conte warning to ensure Raheem Sterling Chelsea test is passed
- Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from Stamford Bridge
- Full Chelsea Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
- Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea face fresh questions after summer of change
- Ben Chilwell position, Marc Cucurella plan: Tuchel Chelsea formation after £50m transfer
