sport news Cesar Azpilicueta will STAY at Chelsea this summer with the Spaniard ... trends now

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta is STAYING at Stamford Bridge with the Spaniard considering a new two-year deal to ease Thomas Tuchel's defensive crisis... as Barcelona boss Xavi is a dealt a huge blow to his Nou Camp rebuild plans Cesar Azpilicueta will stay at Chelsea as he considers a new two-year contract LaLiga giants Barcelona have expressed serious interest in signing the defender Azpilicueta has been hugely influential for the Blues since arriving back in 2012

By Pete Jenson for the Daily Mail

Published: 16:36 BST, 4 August 2022 | Updated: 16:40 BST, 4 August 2022

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Cesar Azpilicueta’s decision to stay at Chelsea deprives Xavi of the defender he most wanted to build his new look Barcelona around.

The Spanish international who turns 33 at the end of this month was one of the first players the Barca coach called last December when he was trying to organise January arrivals to rescue the club’s season.

The desire to bring him in has remained this summer with Azpilicueta earmarked to play at right-back while also offering Xavi the chance to play with a back three and even give cover to Jordi Alba at left-back.

Cesar Azpilicueta has been hugely influential for Chelsea since arriving in the summer of 2012

It is a huge boost for boss Thomas Tuchel who is already having to re-build his defensive unit

Xavi has also been keen to bolster the character of his squad. He wants experienced,