Head coach Thomas Tuchel is reportedly keen to retain the services of Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta.

With a takeover of the Blues having been finalised last month, Chelsea are now free to buy, sell and negotiate new contracts with current players.

In the case of Azpilicueta, the club legend automatically activated a clause in his deal which extended his stay by a further 12 months, ending the possibility of him becoming a free agent this summer.

However, that development only confused matters with regards to the right-back's future at a time when Barcelona are known to be keen on his signature.

Despite the 32-year-old now contracted to Chelsea until the end of 2022-23, Tuchel has previously suggested that Azpilicueta deserves to be respected when it comes to making decisions on the next phase of his career.

Taking that into consideration, it has been perceived that the Spain international will be allowed to return to his homeland should he express a desire to move to Camp Nou.

Nevertheless, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Tuchel is pushing hard to retain the services of his captain, aware that Chelsea face the prospect of losing several leadership figures.

Jorginho, who captained Chelsea in Azpilicueta's absence last season, is being heavily linked with a return to Serie A with Juventus, while Antonio Rudiger has already departed for Real Madrid.

Although the pros and cons are likely to be extensively weighed up during conversations between all parties, it is claimed that a two-year contract is on the table for Azpilicueta at Barcelona.

Romano suggests that Azpilicueta is regarded as the ideal replacement for Dani Alves, who will be departing the Catalan side at the end of the month.

Should Azpilicueta move to Barcelona, he will reportedly join former Chelsea teammate Andreas Christensen - whose departure from Stamford Bridge was recently confirmed - and potentially Marcos Alonso.

A deal is unlikely to materialise until Barcelona have moved several players out of the first-team squad, that issue seemingly preventing the transfer of Christensen being confirmed.

One possible solution is United States international Sergino Dest being included in any proposal, freeing up space to accommodate Azpilicueta's wages.

However, with three years left on his contract, the versatile wide player is said to prefer to continue his career at Barcelona for the time being. body check tags ::