Chelsea will allow legendary defender to join Barcelona in the summer

Barcelona have been hot on the trails of Chelsea defender and captain Cesar Azpilicueta for a while now. The 32-year-old had entered the final three months of his contract and looked primed to secure a free transfer to Camp Nou in the summer.

However, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel confirmed on Friday that a one-year extension option in the Spanish international’s contract had been triggered after he met a clause in his deal pertaining to the number of appearances in the season.

It means that Azpilicueta would not be available on a free transfer this summer as his contract will now run until 2023 and Barça would have to pay a fee to secure his signing.

But now, reports in England (h/t Fichajes) claim that Chelsea might decide not to execute the clause and allow Azpilicueta to join Barcelona for free if the veteran star asks for it.

The Spaniard has spent ten years at Chelsea and is seen as an icon at the club, having won every trophy and title he has contested for. He has been the captain of the club for three years and has done a sterling job of leading the team.

A well-respected figure within the dressing room and the club offices, a fan favourite out on the pitch, Azpilicueta, as per the report, has earned the right to decide if he wishes to continue at Stamford Bridge beyond this season or not.

In case he informs the club that he wants to move on and join Barcelona, Chelsea will allow him to make the switch and not enforce the one-year contract extension.

However, given that the Blues are in a difficult situation due to the sanctions placed on them, Azpilicueta, who has never hidden his love for Chelsea, might decide to prolong his stay for another year.

So, despite the contract extension being triggered, the ball lies in Azpilicueta’s court and it will be up to him to decide whether he wishes to continue at Stamford Bridge or move to Catalonia.