BREAKING: Cesar Azpilicueta’s Chelsea contract finally extended on one condition despite Chelsea sanctions
According to reports, Cesar Azpilicueta’s Chelsea contract was due to expire at the end of the season but has now been extended.
However, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo via Daily Mail, a one-year extension in Azpilicueta’s contract was automatic activated after the 32 year old made a certain number of appearances.
The report also states that the extension to Azpilicueta’s contract occurred just before the UK government imposed heavy sanctions on Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Though Azpilicueta’s contract extension removes the risk of him walking away for nothing in the summer while the club remain under sanctions, he may leave the club anyway.
Mundo’s report stresses that Spain international Azpilicueta remains a primary target for Barcelona and they will enter into negotiations with Chelsea’s new owners to buy him if necessary.
Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez is reportedly keen on signing Azpilicueta due to his versatility. Xavi also values his experience and leadership skills, reportedly seeing him in the Carles Puyol mould during the final years of his career.