As per FutbolTotalCF, Chelsea would be more biased towards captain Cesar Azpilicueta joining Atletico Madrid over FC Barcelona. The way the Jules Kounde situation is advancing the club would prefer if Barcelona couldn’t get their hands on the Spanish defender.
Azpilicueta has been linked with Barca throughout the summer with the Catalan club a little light on quality at the right-back position. Even though they had signed Dani Alves in January, the club decided that the 38-year-old was not a viable option to continue at the club.
Ever since the departure of Alves has been confirmed, the Catalans have been looking for some experience at the position that has given them trouble ever since, well, Alves’ first departure in 2016.
The club already has the services of the young American talent Sergino Dest, but reportedly deem it too early for him to be a starter in big and crucial situations. Therefore, they shifted their focus towards Azpilicueta, who brings in quality and experience at the same time.
The Spaniard has looked almost certain, over the past few weeks, to join the Catalan club. The reports are now stating that Chelsea, as an act of vengeance against Barcelona, would accept an offer by Atleti.
The Rojiblancos are supposedly ready to rival Barca for the signature of the captain of the Blues. The reported fee that Chelsea would accept seems to be around the €8 million mark.
The reported bid of Barcelona falls well short of what Chelsea expects and that could turn the tides in the favour of Atleti who are, reportedly, ready to match Chelsea’s expectations.