Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is more than willing to block Cesar Azpilicueta’s potential move to FC Barcelona in the transfer window.
The Blues gaffer is clear that he needs reinforcement in the backline of the squad and wants the skipper to stay. Moreover, the London-based club have tried to move on from the exits of Antonio Rudiger and Christensen for others.
However, their pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt did not bear any fruit and the gaffer eventually landed Kalidou Koulibaly. The Premier League side locked horns previously with Barcelona for Raphinha and the latter got the better of the Blues.
Again, both crossed swords to sign Jules Koundé from Sevilla but it appears as though Barcelona could hijack the deal. This must have left the manager frustrated as this would be their second deal getting hijacked by the same club.
Could Azpilicueta leave Chelsea?
It is clear that Barcelona have remained in touch with the player and his representatives for a potential move. However, the Chelsea boss is not willing to let go of his captain this summer to the Blaugrana outfit.
Speaking in an interview as quoted by Evening Standard, he said-
“It’s a tough question because I am not sure if I want to give Azpi what he wants,”
“At some point it is about what we want. I just made the comparison about how much we fought for [Kalidou] Koulibaly, who is a national team player and roughly the same age.
“We don’t think so much about other clubs. The focus is on us and what we need.
I said that to him and I say it to you that I understand on a personal and a career level. But I am not only in this role to give him what he wants.
I am a manager for Chelsea who wants to do what’s best for Chelsea.
“He doesn’t like it but he understands. It is tough for him because the other club is permanently on him.
On September 1 when things calm down, then he can play on his highest level.”
The gaffer is cleared his stance and does not want Azpilicueta to leave in the transfer window. However, Barcelona’s aggressive pursuit of the defender could mean that he may leave in the final days of the window.
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