Thomas Tuchel Chelsea ‘revolution’ could lead to exit of key first-team member
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Chelsea captain Cesar Azplilicueta is being lined up by Athletic Bilbao ahead of a potential summer transfer, according to reports. Azpilicueta has been the official Chelsea club captain since the departure of Gary Cahill in 2019. However, the experienced defender has found game time more hard to come by this season.
The emergence of Reece James meant Azpilicueta dropped to second-choice right-back under the now sacked Frank Lampard.
The Spain international has started just seven Premier League matches this term, but did begin four of the Champions League group stage matches.
It remains to be seen what Azpilicueta’s role will be under new head coach Thomas Tuchel.
However, reports from Spain claim the 31-year-old’s time at Stamford Bridge may be coming towards an end.
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Spanish outlet La Razon says a ‘revolution’ is expected following the arrival of Tuchel, and Azpilicueta may not be part of Tuchel’s plans.
La Liga side Athletic are named as a club interested in signing Azpilicueta, whose contract at Chelsea expires in the summer of 2022.
Athletic recently changed manager, appointing former Villarreal and Valencia boss Marcelino Garcia Toral earlier this month.
Marcelino led the club to the Spanish Super Cup, beating Real Madrid in the semi-final before defeating Barcelona in extra time in the final.
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The report says Marcelino would welcome the versatility of Azpilicueta into his squad.
Azpilicueta has made 402 career appearances for Chelsea since joining from Marseille in 2012, scoring 13 goals.
Meanwhile, Tuchel took charge of his first Chelsea training session on Tuesday evening and will lead the side against Wolves on Wednesday (6pm).
And ahead of the match, the German explained his excitement of managing the Blues.
“It’s hard to explain,” Tuchel told the official Chelsea website.
“My life was turned upside down in the past three days or so! It feels amazing to the new head coach of Chelsea and I’m really excited to be here.
“Me and my staff had the feeling that this was too good an opportunity not to take and personally I felt this was a chance I could not let go away.
“We could not miss this opportunity to be part of this club and to be part of the Chelsea family.
“To work with this squad and compete in the toughest league in the Premier League and of course the Champions League is something we are excited to take on.
“I met with the team yesterday and worked with them last night, so it was good to get straight to work and we are ready for a difficult game tonight.
“I’m super happy to be here and really excited to get to work.”
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