Thomas Tuchel could soon find himself another defender short as Chelsea prepare to loan out one of their exciting young stars in a decision that would impact Cesar Azpilicueta's future.
The Blues are continuing to chase Jules Kounde at Sevilla but have run into ongoing obstacles, which has slowed down their transfer activity both for incomings and outgoings and now Tuchel might have his hand forced with regards to Azpilicueta's own movements.
Chelsea's captain has been open to a move away from the club since Christmas, and it looked especially likely when new contract offers were stalled as Roman Abramovich's assets, including Chelsea, were sanctioned earlier this year. However, the club triggered a one-year extension to keep him at Stamford Bridge.
READ MORE: The seven Chelsea players Thomas Tuchel hinted at transfer exit in damning Arsenal verdict
So far, that has only meant that Todd Boehly can attempt to get some money back for Azpilicueta with Barcelona interested and the Spanish defender keen on a move back to Spain. The 32-year-old isn't the type to force a move from the club, but given his age, contract status and Tuchel's determination to bring in new defenders, there would be room to move him on if new targets were acquired. That position could be able to change, though.
His squad role might be altered by the decision made by Dujon Sterling. The 22-year-old is being looked at as a loan option for several Championship clubs, including Queens Park Rangers and Preston North End, but Chelsea are completely against letting him go permanently, reports the Evening Standard.
Sterling had been training with the first team in pre-season after returning from an impressive loan at Blackpool last year but missed out on making the 29-man squad which toured America. Tuchel's decision to leave Sterling out isn't personal, though, as the manager is a huge fan and wants to keep him involved at the club in the long term despite his contract ending next summer - though there is an option for an extra year. Sterling was also considered as a first-team option last season after making a good initial statement on Tuchel, but both parties decided a year of consistent game time would benefit him more.
This has created a position going into the 2022/23 season, where the Blues are currently in limbo with lots of spinning plates on the go. Not only would Azpilicueta like to leave, which would leave the club short of right-back options for next season, but his future could also yet be impacted by the pursuit of Kounde.
Tuchel has already admitted that he is "a little bit" annoyed by Barcelona's dealings with Sevilla as the Spanish giants attempt to hold up Chelsea's move for the player and sway his decisions, and the German is now in a moral dilemma as to what he should do. He said, "It's a tough question because I am not sure if I want to give Azpi what he wants. At some point, it is about what we want. I just made the comparison about how much we fought for Koulibaly, who is a national team player and roughly the same age.
"He is a hugely important player for Napoli, but we have a Spanish international who is the captain at Chelsea. I see him maybe at the same level, but Barcelona doesn't see him on that level. So I am not sure if I want to give him what he wants as he is a huge player."
Chelsea currently have Trevoh Chalobah and Reece James that suit the right centre-back spot in a three man defence, though James is a better wingback. Azpilicutea was largely used in that spot last season but struggled with form towards the end of the campaign as questions over his position in the squad were raised.
Azpilicueta was also used as a right-back on occasions as injury issues left Chelsea short. Sterling's likely departure means that the Blues would only have two options for that position on the books, with any transfer of Kounde still massively uncertain.
The fact that Tuchel is willing to let his captain go indicates that he probably isn't part of Chelsea's best XI next year, and if a deal for Kounde had been smooth, then Azpilicueta could already be a Barcelona player right now. Because the deal remains in a state of constant and unpredictable flux, Tuchel is now unsure not only as to what the right course of action is but also how to prepare for the new season. He has to decide if Azpilicueta should be involved, if at all, and also try to decipher where his mental state might be after admitting that his squad are suffering due to players wanting to leave.
Even though Sterling was never likely to be part of Tuchel's main first-team squad this season, if he is to leave the club on loan, then it does deplete Tuchel's defensive options at a time that he wants more reinforcement and stability. The damaging result and performance in Florida might kick Chelsea into gear as quick decisions are made, but Tuchel insisted before the match that "we don't think so much about other clubs.
"The focus is on us and what we need. I said that to him, and I say it to you that I understand on a personal and a career level. But I am not only in this role to give him what he wants. I am a manager for Chelsea who wants to do what's best for Chelsea.
"He doesn't like it, but he understands. It is tough for him because the other club is permanently on him. On September 1st, when things calm down, then he can play on his highest level.
"I understand his wish, his concerns, his thoughts about his career and his personal life, but he is also our captain, a huge captain and a legend and a winner. And I don't see many reasons as my role as manager to give up on all these strengths that he has."
READ NEXT:
- Di Matteo's Tuchel admission with Koulibaly and Sterling both analysed
- Declan Rice's transfer admission as Chelsea search for £80m midfield answer
- Tuchel given £30m Broja boost as replacement Lukaku talks remain ongoing
- The £180m attacking problem that Todd Boehly must solve this summer at Chelsea
- Chelsea's own Kylian Mbappe transfer plan as Blues target Newcastle ace with £50m value
