Barcelona's Target Extends Contract With Chelsea: 'Excited For Our New Project'

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has signed a new deal with the Blues, despite being one of FC Barcelona’s top targets this summer.

Barcelona had made Azpi, along with Robert Lewandowski, their top targets ahead of the 2022-23 season. While the Catalans managed to land Lewandowksi from Bayern Munich, they have failed in the case of Azpi, whose new contract with Chelsea is now valid until 2024, according to an official release from the Premier League club.

Chelsea’s new owner Todd Boehly, who led the Clearlake Capital consortium to a successful takeover of the club at the end of May, played a key role in ensuring Chelsea did lose Azpi to Barcelona, Goal.com reported.

Barcelona had been in direct talks with Chelsea over Azpi’s transfer before Boehly intervened and made it clear he would not be approving the Spanish defender’s departure to Camp Nou. The La Liga side even offered to include certain first-team members in Azpi’s deal, but that did not change Boehly’s decision.

"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," Boehly said after Azpi signed a contract extension, according to the official release by Chelsea.

Azpi is one of only six players ever to have won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, while his 13 cup final appearances for Chelsea is a club record.

The 32-year-old defender first moved to Chelsea in 2012 from Ligue 1 club Marseille. Azpi said he was "really happy" to sign an extension with Chelsea which has been his "home" for a decade now.

"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 Mr. Todd and Mr. Behdad 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," said Azpi, who has made 476 competitive appearances for Chelsea.

Chelsea reached two finals last season: League Cup and FA Cup, but lost both games to Liverpool FC. Thomas Tuchel and Co will look to improve in the upcoming campaign and win some silverware again. The Stamford Bridge side is set to kickstart their 2022-23 Premier League season with a home game against Everton on Saturday (Aug. 6).