Thomas Tuchel admits he may not grant Cesar Azpilicueta's wish to join Barcelona this summer, even if Chelsea are able to complete a £55million deal for Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde in the coming days.
After 10 years at Stamford Bridge, Azpilicueta is understood to be ready to seek out a new challenge and the 32-year-old has been offered a lucrative two-year contract by Barcelona, who have proved a constant irritant for Chelsea throughout the current transfer window.
However, the La Liga giants have yet to make a suitable approach to Chelsea for Azpilicueta, who was hopeful of leaving for a minimal fee due to his previous service at the club, which includes starring roles in two Premier League title wins, a Champions League triumph, a maiden Club World Cup success, and FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League victories.
