Transfer expert says key £150k-p/w ace "doesn't want to leave Chelsea" despite strong exit claim

Cesar Azpilicueta does not want to leave Chelsea, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The 32-year-old is out of contract in the summer and has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona, but Jones is confident that he wants to remain at Stamford Bridge.

As per Marca, Barcelona are keen on bringing Azpilicueta back to Spain and have made the £150,000-a-week defender their No.1 target to improve their backline.

And looking at what Azpilicueta has done in England, he would do just that. Since arriving at Chelsea from Marseille, the Blues captain has played at right-back, right wing-back, centre-back, left-back and left wing-back (via Transfermarkt).

Ultimately, Azpilicueta’s versatility alone would make him a great signing for Barcelona, while the La Liga outfit have also probably taken his experience into consideration.

He has made 459 appearances at an elite club like Chelsea, recently adding the Club World Cup to his incredible list of honours.

Chelsea WIN Club World Cup! Full reaction on The Football Terrace…

From Azpilicueta’s point of view, returning to his homeland and playing for one of its two biggest clubs may also sound appealing. However, according to Jones, the former Marseille man wants to stay at Chelsea.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the football journalist said: “Azpilicueta doesn’t want to leave Chelsea. He’s never had any desire to quit the club or anything like that, but the situation he’s been left in is that he has to consider where he might be next season.”

No. They would be crazy to. Yes, Azpilicueta has not be an automatic starter under Thomas Tuchel this season, failing to feature in seven of their Premier League games. However, he still has plenty to offer.

As already mentioned, he is