Chelsea can reportedly opt to trigger a two-year extension in Cesar Azpilicueta's contract to prevent him from securing a move to Barcelona in the summer.
The 32-year-old is due to become a free agent at the end of the 2021-22 season, and La Blaugrana are thought to be confident about their chances of securing his services.
Azpilicueta is reportedly keen to hold face-to-face discussions with the Blues about his future, and Thomas Tuchel's side are still hoping to convince the Spain international to stay on for longer.
According to Marca, Chelsea can trigger an option to keep Azpilicueta on the books until 2024, thereby ruining Barcelona's chances of landing the defender on a free transfer.
The report adds that Azpilicueta hopes to talk with Marina Granovskaia in the coming weeks, and Barcelona will turn their attention to Ajax's Noussair Mazraoui if a deal cannot be struck with the Chelsea man.
Azpilicueta has remained a vital player for Tuchel this term, bagging one goal and three assists in 29 appearances across all competitions, including 16 starts in the Premier League.
Ben Knapton
