CESAR AZPILICUETA is under pressure to slap in a transfer request — or risk his dream move to Barcelona.
The Chelsea captain wants to leave this summer and return home to Spain.
But Nou Camp giants Barca are growing frustrated with the lack of progress over the defender’s bid to talk his way out of the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge.
Azpilicueta, 32, is reluctant to ask to go because of his love and loyalty to Chelsea after ten years there.
During this time he has won every club trophy possible at domestic and European level.
Chelsea have the right to hold him to a 12 month extension clause in his contract and could force him to stay.
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Boss Thomas Tuchel said the pair will sit down and discuss his future but Barcelona want the deal done quickly.
Barcelona boss Xavi is keen to have the veteran right-back available for pre-season training next month.
The Spanish side have threatened to find ‘other solutions’ to the gap being left by the departure of club legend Dani Alves, who has confirmed he is leaving for a second time.
Azpilicueta is due to hold talks with Tuchel in the coming days to seek an amicable separation agreement.
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German Tuchel admits it could be time for the industrious full-back to move on given Chelsea is entering a whole new era with new owners in charge.
Chelsea are also feeling the heat in their pursuit of Sevilla centre back Jules Kounde.
Barcelona are tracking the France star in a part exchange deal involving Clement Lenglet – a former Sevilla player.
