Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has emerged as a transfer target for Spanish giants Barcelona according to the latest reports coming out of the media in Spain. The specific report from Spanish newspaper Marca stated that Barcelona want to sign Azpilicueta who will be a free agent at the end of this season. The Spanish national team defender has a little of six months on his current Chelsea deal and it’s not certain that he will extend his stay in West London beyond next year. Barcelona are plotting to secure his return to his native Spain for the first time since 2010.

Azpilicueta, 32, has been a key figure in the Chelsea defence since manager Thomas Tuchel took charge of the team around the midway point of last season. He was a regular in the Chelsea starting XI as German tactician Tuchel masterminded an unlikely Champions League win for the Blues as the West Londoners were struggling for results in the league when the ex-Borussia Dortmund and Mainz 05 boss was appointed into his current role in the place of the sacked club legend, Frank Lampard.

Chelsea captain Azpilicueta has made 14 appearances for his team in all competitions though he has lost his place in the team in recent games due to the superb form of England international Reece James. He was given a route back into the starting XI for the Watford game in the league on Wednesday night due to the injury to the James.

James picked up a knock during the Premier League clash at home to Manchester United on Sunday and that ruled him out of the London Derby clash with the Hornets. Azpilicueta took his place as the right wingback on the way to a 2-1 away win over Watford. The victory ensured that Chelsea maintained their one-point advantage at the Premier League summit.