(Football news) Despite recent speculation linking him to a Barcelona move, Cesar Azpilicueta has committed his foreseeable future to Chelsea by signing a contract until 2024. The Spanish full-back joined the Blues from Marseille in 2012 and will undoubtedly prove to be a major boost for Chelsea as the club have already lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen. Azpilicueta has won a number of major trophies at Stamford Bridge, including the 2021 Champions League and 2022 Club World Cup.

After signing a new contract, Azpilicueta said “I am really happy to extend my stay at Chelsea, my home. It has been almost 10 years since I first arrived and joined the club, so I really feel the love and I am really excited for the new project we have in our hands. I would like to say thank you to (Chelsea owners) Todd (Boehly) and Behdad (Eghbali) for giving me the opportunity to keep my journey at this amazing club and I am really looking forward to continuing our adventure. I am a really proud captain and I hope we can share many good memories together." 

Chelsea chairman and co-controlling owner Todd Boehly said “We are so happy that Cesar is staying at Chelsea for a minimum of two more years. We are thrilled with our captain showing his exemplary commitment and leadership yet again. There is still so much to do together." With Azpilicueta’s renewal, Kalidou Koulibaly’s signing as well as Brighton’s Marc Cucurella having almost signed for the Blues, Thomas Tuchel’s side look to be in a stable position defensively ahead of the new Premier League season this weekend. Chelsea have also been linked to Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters while Leicester City’s Wesley Fofana is also on the radar but the club could be priced out of a potential move. 

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