Cesar Azpilicueta has little reason to leave Chelsea after such a successful season.
The Blues remain on course for the double having sealed the Premier League title with a week to spare, and they now prepare to meet Arsenal in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday.
Azpilicueta has played no small part in their revival, playing every minute of their league campaign.
Inevitably, the 27-year-old has been forced to respond to rumours linking him with the likely vacancy at right-back at Barcelona, but it doesn’t sound as if Antonio Conte has too much to worry about.
Barca have never properly replaced Dani Alves, as neither Aleix Vidal nor midfielder-turned-defender Sergi Roberto are seen as long-term solutions to the Blaugrana’s problem.
Azpilicueta insists he is not the answer either, telling Marca:
“It’s flattering that a club like Barcelona can be interested in you. Last year, after a bad season on a collective level, we did not have those types of rumours. However, this season we have been crowned Champions and this type of story indicates that we have done well.
“Interest from teams of this level is very positive but I am very happy here. I feel very valued by the club and I do not think of anything else.”
The Spain international is one candidate to become club captain now that John Terry has departed, so Chelsea may well want to reward his loyalty if he is indeed willing to reject Barca – should they come calling.
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