Chelsea ‘BLOCK Cesar Azpilicueta’s Barcelona transfer until replacements are signed as Blues close-in on Koulibaly’
CHELSEA have reportedly BLOCKED Cesar Azpilicueta from leaving the club – until replacement defenders have been signed.
Azpilicueta is eager to join Barcelona after a decade at Stamford Bridge.
The 32-year-old has reportedly agreed personal terms with Barca on a two-year deal with the Blues demanding £7million to let him leave.
But the club have also told Azpilicueta he cannot leave until they have strengthened at the back, according to Sport Mail.
Chelsea are currently closing on a £34million deal for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly.
The clubs are close to agreeing on a transfer fee and discussions with with Koulibaly over personal terms are also at an advanced stage.
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Koulibaly has just one year left on his current deal and Napoli are desperate for him not to join Serie A rivals Juventus.
The £34m fee would be a Premier League record for a player over 30.
Chelsea are also thought to have agreed personal terms with Nathan Ake over a move.
Manchester City are thought to be demanding £45m to let Ake rejoin the Blues.
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But the lack of confirmed arrivals as of yet has delayed Azpilicueta’s switch to the Nou Camp.
Although he may not be waiting too much longer.
After 10 years, 474 appearances and nine trophies at Chelsea, Azpilicueta’s time at Stamford Bridge appears to be drawing to a close.