Chelsea confident of keeping star defender Cesar Azpilicueta despite interest from Barcelona
Spanish defender likes living in London, is comfortable with the language and reveals he is 'very happy' at Stamford Bridge
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CESAR AZPILICUETA is thought to be a top target for Barcelona's new boss Ernesto Valverde.
But the news is not sending shock waves through Stamford Bridge.
For Chelsea are very confident of hanging on to the defender who played every single match in their title-winning season.
Azpilicueta contracted until 2020 and the Spaniard likes living in London.
The 27-year-old cost Chelsea just £7million when he was signed from Marseille in 2012.
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Last season he was invaluable member of Antonio Conte's rejigged back three formation and there is no way the Premier League champions want him to leave.
Azpilicueta has been linked with Barca before. Earlier this year he told :
"It’s flattering to be linked to Barcelona: it means you’re playing well.
"I wasn’t hearing those sort of stories last season. That’s a consequence of us being top of the Premier League, things are going well.
"My objective since I arrived was to grow as a player and a person. I’ve adapted to the city, to the country. I feel settled, I’m comfortable with the language, my family is very happy.
"Right now my only objective is to continue with Chelsea."
If Valverde fails to land Azpilicueta he could turn instead to Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin in his search for a right back.