In a recent report, Sport mentioned that Chelsea have set a €10m price tag on Cesar Azpilicueta with Barcelona eager to recruit him this summer. It has been mentioned that the Blues are unwilling to reduce their demands for the Spanish full-back as the Catalan outfit push to secure his services in this off-season.
Azpilicueta’s Impressive Form In English Football Last Season
Azpilicueta had a solid campaign with the West London club last season when he put in a handful of impressive performances on the right side of Thomas Tuchel’s defence. The Spaniard made 47 appearances for the Blues last season, netting three goals and securing three assists on all fronts.
The 32-year-old managed to impress by averaging 1.9 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 2.3 clearances and 0.6 key passes per 90 minutes in Premier League football. He was even tidy when distributing the ball from the back, based on his pass completion rate of 85.7% in league football (stats via whoscored).
Chelsea Slap €10m Price Tag On Azpilicueta: Good Decision By The Blues?
Azpilicueta is a solid tackler of the ball and can sense the danger quickly to secure the ball back for his team on the defensive third of the field. He is an energetic full-back who doesn’t take too many risks when putting his foot through the ball at the back.
The Spanish talent can set up a few inviting chances for his teammates in the opponent’s half. He can even chip in by scoring the odd goal and is versatile enough to operate in multiple positions across the backline.
His current contract at Stamford Bridge is set to run out next summer. Still, Chelsea have every reason to remain tough with their stance on Azpilicueta as he is still an important member of Thomas Tuchel‘s squad. At 32, the Pamplona-born sensation might still have a couple of good years left in him to play at his best.
All in all, it seems like a good decision by the Blues to demand €10m for the Spaniard. If Barca refuse to meet their demands, the West London club can afford to keep Azpilicueta for another season before letting him leave as a free agent next summer.
