Antonio Rudiger is leaving Chelsea soon as his agent meets with Barcelona over a potential transfer … Azpilicueta extends contract

The agent of Antonio Rudiger has met with Barcelona officials to discuss a possible summer transfer to the Nou Camp.

In a restaurant in Barcelona, Sahr Senesie, Rudiger’s counsel and half-brother, met with Barca sporting director Mateu Alemany and his deputy Jordi Cruyff for confidential negotiations.

The discussion lasted three hours, during which they sat drinking wine and water and discussing a possible summer transfer for Rudiger to Barca.

The Spanish giants are prepared to go all out to sign the defender on a free transfer since he meets the Catalans’ requirements perfectly.

"Fair enough if he listens to other offers."

Thomas Tuchel says he is confident Antonio Rüdiger will stay at Chelsea despite the reports that the defender's agent has been meeting with Barcelona 🤔 pic.twitter.com/nOtXFKRTsn

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 1, 2022

Rudiger’s current contract expires in the summer, giving him the opportunity to speak with clubs outside of England. Rudiger’s representatives are also in contact with other prominent European clubs, including Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

Negotiations on a contract extension with Chelsea have been halted for nearly nine months, but staying at Chelsea has not been ruled out, with much riding on how the club’s ownership situation is resolved.

Chelsea is currently unable to respond due to Russian owner Roman Abramovich’s sanctions.

🚨🚨[ @gerardromero🥇] | Rüdiger’s agent called Barcelona after the win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. The meeting with Alemany and Jordi Cruyff was VERY positive & good feelings. #fcblive pic.twitter.com/YsRPV8PipQ

— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) March 31, 2022

Juventus has also proposed a contract too for Antonio Rudiger, according to FUTBALLNEWS, and two Premier League clubs are keeping an eye on his position.

It’s unlikely that he’ll make a final decision on his future club before the summer.

Azpilicueta initiates contract extension

Chelsea’s contract with Cesar Azpilicueta has been extended until the summer of 2023.

Earlier this month, the Spain defender played the required number of games to earn an automatic one-year extension.

He was one of four Chelsea players in this predicament, along with Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, and Charly Musonda, whose contracts were set to expire on June 30.

Azpilicueta, 32, and Christensen, a centre-back, are both targets for Barcelona.

According to reports in Spain, Christensen has verbally agreed to join Barcelona, but we hear that he has not notified Chelsea.

Barca are currently concentrating their efforts on signing Ajax right-back Noussair Mazraoui, who is also scheduled to become a free agent, since Azpilicueta now demands a transfer fee.

Bayern Munich, on the other hand, will be a tough competitor.