Can Chelsea afford to lose captain Azpilicueta to Barcelona?
James Shearman
- Updated: 22 Dec 2021 20:52 GMT
- 4 min read
Barcelona are interested in signing Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta upon the expiry of his current contract.
Azpilicueta has spent eight-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge, winning a whole host of silverware, but his time in west London could soon be up.
The Spaniard is into the final year of his deal, meaning he can negotiate a free transfer move in the January window.
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And compatriot Xavi is determined to convince the 32-year-old to leave for Camp Nou next season.
However, Azpilicueta would prefer to stay at Chelsea, according to The Athletic, but that may well not be an option, as the Blues are notoriously reluctant to hand new contracts to players over the age of 30.
Famously, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba, who later returned, left the club long before their time in professional football came to a close.
It's fair to say there has been no place for sentiment in the Chelsea boardroom during the Abramovich era (post-2003).
But, with a number of defenders rumoured to be leaving, can the Blues afford to let their current longest-serving player depart?
Can Chelsea afford to lose Azpilicueta?
Azpilicueta has, arguably, been fifth choice under manager Thomas Tuchel this season.
The emergence of academy graduate Trevoh Chalobah, alongside Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Thiago Silva has left the 32-year-old on the sidelines more often than usual.
Additionally, Reece James' excellence in the right wing-back position means the club captain is no longer an option further up the pitch unless absolutely necessary.
Therefore, in normal circumstances, Chelsea could wouldn't think twice about letting Azpilicueta return to Spain next year.
However, the issue for the Blues is that Rudiger, Christensen and Silva are all in the same boat, with less than 12 months on their deals.
And the chances of keeping all four are next to none.
Thomas Tuchel on @CesarAzpi contract situation “I don’t see any problem here. The situation between Azpi, & the club is very clear. His our captain. He has all possibilities 2 stay here as long as possible & become a legend he already is. His a fantastic captain & player.” pic.twitter.com/sI3qhVtRi6
— Frank Khalid (@FrankKhalidUK) December 22, 2021
At 28 and 25, respectively, keeping hold of Rudiger and Christensen should take priority.
The pair are reportedly happy to stay at Chelsea, but are asking for huge pay rises on the back of Champions League success last season.
As such, the most likely outcome is that one of them is handed a lucrative new deal while the other seeks out a fortune from the likes of Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain.
As for Silva, he has been performing at a remarkable level, given his age, and is expected to accept a further one-year contract.
The Brazilian's experience and composure is vital and in the centre of Chelsea's back three his physical limitations are hidden as well as possible.
That leaves Azpilicueta, a genuine legend of the club and an excellent role model to every member of the staff from the first-team down to the academy.
But remember, while sometimes lacking class, Chelsea's successes have been driven by ruthlessness, whether that be sacking managers or forcing out players.
Abramovich's desire to win, albeit in a heavily criticised fashion, is the reason the five-time Premier League winners are where they are today.
And, as such, it would be in the Blues' best interests to say goodbye to another legend, replacing Azpilicueta with another 'the next big thing'.
