Alarm bells ringing for Tuchel as Chelsea skipper deep in ‘talks’ with Barcelona

Alarm bells will be ringing in the ears of Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea with the news that Cesar Azpilicueta is reportedly deep in talks with Barcelona over a summer transfer.

Tuchel has pinned his hopes on the 32-year-old this season after injuries to Reece James and Ben Chilwell. Neither are close to a return with James’ recovery suffering a setback after contracting flu. Chilwell meanwhile seems unlikely to play again this season after rupturing his cruciate ligament.

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It means Tuchel is relying on his captain, whose contract expires in the summer. That means the experienced defender is available on a free transfer this summer if he fails to agree a new deal at Stamford Bridge.

Tuchel was desperate for cover in January. However, Chelsea could not close the arrival of Lucas Digne, who ended up at Aston Villa. And they were unable to bring Emerson Palmieri back from his loan deal early.

They did however manage to bring Brazilian full-back Kenedy back from Flamengo.

“We tried several operations. But in the end we have stayed with what we have and we are happy with it,” Tuchel said on Friday.

Azpilicueta, who joined the club from Marseille back in 2012, is thought to be chasing a deal longer than 12 months. As per The Atheltic, Azpilicueta’s preference is to stay but he wants at least a two-year contract.