Chelsea hand Cesar Azpilicueta new two-year contract and pay rise to ward off Barcelona interest

Spanish right-back, César Azpilicueta has reportedly turned down a move to Barcelona & is poised to put pen to paper on a two-year deal to stay at Stamford Bridge as per reports from Fabrizio Romano & Gerard Romero, handing the Catalan outfit their first defeat in this summer’s transfer market.

As the discussions between Chelsea & Barca continued for several weeks without a conclusion, Romero reported that Azpilicueta needed clarification on his future before the start of the 22/23 campaign this weekend.

The veteran defender has now decided to remain at the Blues despite Barça’s plea for a few more days to overcome their challenges with the registration of their new acquisitions with La Liga.

Azpilicueta notified Barça and manager XaviHernández of his choice, according to reports from Romero, and his extension with the London based outfit could be officially announced soon.

Azpilicueta was Xavi’s number one target for the right-back department.

But if the Spanish tactician decides against a move for other options, it appears that Sergio Dest & Sergi Roberto could be in line to play a big part in Barcelona’s season with Ronald Araujo and Jules Koundé also versatile enough to play on the right.