CHELSEA captain Cesar Azpilicueta has performed a shock transfer U-turn by snubbing Barcelona and signing a new two-year deal.
The Spaniard was entering the final year on his current deal which was only extended at the end of last season.
And Azpilicueta has spent the transfer window linked with a move back to Spain with Barcelona.
And although it was previously claimed the defender favoured a move away, according to The Athletic, he has committed his future to Chelsea.
Azpilicueta’s commitment eases the Blues’ need to recruit further defensive reinforcements.
Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen already left for free in the summer, following their contract both expiring.
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Only Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli has been brought in as a replacement after the club missed out on Jules Kounde.
The Frenchman instead joined Barca, creating tension between Chelsea and Nou Camp chiefs.
And is was already suggested new Blues boss Todd Boehly was ready to deny Azpilicueta a move to LaLiga.
Chelsea remain linked with Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella, Inter Milan wingback Denzel Dumfries and Leicester centre-back Wesley Fofana.
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Azpilicueta has been at the club for a decade now, and has made 472 appearances in all competitions for them.
His contract at the club was due to expire in this summer, but an extension clause in his deal was triggered when he hit 35 games last season.
Azpilicueta has always appealed to Tuchel due to his ability to play in a back three or at wingback, suiting the German’s structure.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
