According to reports, Barcelona are closer than ever in their pursuit of Chelsea full-back Cesar Azpilicueta. The La Liga giants are desperately seeking a reinforcement for their right-back position which has proved too much to handle for Sergi Roberto last season. While the Blues are unwilling to leave one of their best defenders, the arrival of Antonio Rudiger has pretty much changed the scenario.
As per Spanish journalist Manolo Lama, the German international’s arrival at Stamford Bridge could pave the way out for Azpilicueta who has been Antonio Conte’s favoured centre-half alongside David Luiz and Garry Cahill. Lama tweeted, “Chelsea announce the signing of defender Rudiger, therefore Azpilicueta closer to Barca.”
Barcelona have felt the effects of the departure of Dani Alves terribly as former manager Luis Enrique’s plan of replacing him with Roberto turned out to be a big failure. Barca was caught off-guard time and again from the right defensive flank as the La Masia product couldn’t balance his offensive and defensive runs. And the Catalan giants’ terrible European campaign further exacerbated his first big season with the Blaugrana.
With new boss Ernesto Valverde at the helm now, Barcelona’s primary targets this summer have been a right back and a central midfield. And they have faced disappointment on both the fronts. Barcelona have been coming back and again for Arsenal’s right-back Hector Bellerin but the youngster’s recent contract extension means he is pretty much out of their reach.
And Azpilicueta remains their second priority, but with age pretty much not on his side as much as Bellerin. Azpilicueta has shown immense versatility at the defensive third for the Blues over the years, mostly last season. Conte was in a crisis situation following his taking up as Chelsea’s boss as dismal displays by Branislav Ivanovic and John Terry left him with little options.
He was forced to change to a back three with no idea how would his defenders would adapt to the change. It meant Azpilicueta playing out of position and he did that magnificently. He was one of their key players playing a significant role in Chelsea’s Premier League winning campaign.
He scored once and assisted five times from the back. And he has been pretty much consistent since his move to London from Ligue 1 side Marseille back in 2012. He has made 227 appearances for Chelsea since then scoring five goals and assisting 26 times.
A right-back by nature, Azpilicueta can play anywhere across the back line possessing brilliant ability to hold the ball and an eye for the perfect pass. So can Chelsea afford to lose him this summer?
