While Thomas Tuchel is desperate to block Cesar Azpilicueta's switch to Barcelona, the Chelsea boss can be safe in the knowledge he has someone willing to inherit the armband should the Spaniard eventually depart.
Blues academy graduate Mason Mount has insisted that he is ready to take on the responsibility that comes with being the skipper of Chelsea from next season onwards. Azpilicueta has been at Stamford Bridge for just under a decade but now harbours desires of a new challenge at the Camp Nou.
Both of the aforementioned players are currently away on Chelsea's pre-season tour of the United States, though Azpilicueta missed the most recent outing - a penalty shootout defeat by Charlotte after sustaining a hamstring strain.
