Tuchel doesn’t want defender linked with move to Barcelona to leave

It appears Chelsea captain and Spain international Cesar Azpilicueta may not be allowed to leave the club this summer.

This comes despite earlier reports that the Blues have agreed to let Azpilicueta move to Spanish club Barcelona.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has said in a recent statement that he doesn’t want the Spaniard to leave Stamford Bridge.

The west London have already seen two of their defenders move to Spain this summer, while  Andreas Christensen joined Barcelona as a free agent, Antonio Rudiger joined Real Madrid.

Despite signing Christensen, Barca also want to sign Azpilicueta and are also in a joint race with Chelsea to sign Jules Kounde from Sevilla.

“I am not sure I want to give Azpi what he wants,” Tuchel said.

“We have a Spanish international player, captain but Barcelona does not see it on that level – so I’m not sure if I want to give Azpi what he wants.

“Maybe I’m a little bit annoyed with Barça. But I do my best for Chelsea. I said that to Azpilicueta, he doesn’t like it – but he understands.”

If Chelsea doesn’t let Azpilicueta leave this summer, they would lose him for free next summer.