Chelsea set asking price for Barcelona target Cesar Azpilicueta
Cameron Smith
- 11 Jul 2022 10:25 CDT
- 3 min read
Chelsea have reportedly set their stance on Cesar Azpilicueta's future at the club and are demanding €8 million from Barcelona for his services this summer.
The Spanish international was set to become a free agent this summer, but a one-year extension clause was triggered and he is now contracted at Stamford Bridge until 2023.
As a result, Barcelona will be forced to pay a sum to acquire him this summer, rather than sign him for free.
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Xavi has identified multiple transfer targets this window as he looks to challenge Real Madrid for the Spanish top flight title once again. The Blaugrana have already added both Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie on free transfers, from Chelsea and Milan respectively, while Leeds United star Raphinha is expected to join the club as well.
Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski and Sevilla defender Jules Kounde both remain high on Barca's priority list, with the Spanish giants hoping to sign them both this summer.
Despite finding themselves in debt worth over €1 billion, according to reports, Barcelona remain optimistic about their chances of adding more signings this summer, with Azpilicueta another one.
They are also keen on signing Azpilicueta's Chelsea team-mate Marcos Alonso, but it remains to be seen whether they can finance a move for the former Sunderland man.
Azpilicueta, however, remains a key target, with Barcelona hoping to add the Spaniard following Dani Alves' departure this summer.
The defender did travel to the United States on Chelsea's pre-season tour, but he is still open to the idea of joining Barcelona.
According to Goal, Chelsea have set their asking price at €8m, which Barcelona will need to reach if they harbour any hopes of signing the 33-year-old this summer. That fee is the exact amount Chelsea paid Marseille to sign Azpilicueta way back in 2012.
Chelsea's transfer business
Chelsea are still in the hunt to sign Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt, although Bayern Munich are now leading the race, with the player expressing a desire to join the Bavarian outfit.
Nathan Ake remains a key target, while Jules Kounde talks have quietened down. Raheem Sterling is expected to be announced as a Chelsea player very soon.
