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The Chelsea punishment takes Cesar Azpilicueta further from Barça

Because of the sanctions on Roman Abramovich it's harder to see the Spaniard coming this summer

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Toni Juanmartí

The sanctions on Chelsea and owner Roman Abramovich could impact on Cesar Azpilicueta’s future. The Barcelona target may not now come to Camp Nou. The small print in the sanctions remains to be seen, but this is the situation as we know it.

Abramovich’s assets in England have been frozen. Chelsea cannot sign players or extend deals - eg the likes of Christensen, Rudiger. 

However in Azpilicueta’s place, the situation is that he has a clause in his deal that can extend it unilaterally. So depending on the interpretation, it can be seen as the same contract rather than renewing a deal. So the English club can keep Azpilicueta. 

 

It certainly brings his potential move to Barcelona into question with the Blues likely to need to keep everyone they have.