Todd Boehly BLOCKS Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta’s transfer to Barcelona

Todd Boehly has blocked Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta’s transfer to Barcelona this summer, according to reports.

Barca have named the Spanish defender as a key target but the Blues’ valuation is proving to be a stumbling block in the negotiations.

The Spanish giants are believed to be offering a fee of around £3m for Azpilicueta, while Chelsea are demanding a figure closer to £10m.

Xavi has identified the Spain international as a key defensive target this transfer window

Barcelona have already signed a defender from Thomas Tuchel’s side this summer, with Andreas Christensen moving to Catalonia on a free transfer after his contract at Stamford Bridge expired.

The two clubs have crossed paths on several occasions this summer, as Barca beat the Blues for the signings of Jules Kounde and Raphinha.

And the Catalan club have identified Azpilicueta as a potential target, with Xavi intent on adding experience to his back line.

Blues part-owner Boehly (left) wants Azpilicueta to stay at Stamford Bridge this term

But The temperature have reported that new Chelsea co-owner Boehly is keen to keep the Spanish defender in west London ahead of the upcoming season.

The 32-year-old’s contract at Stamford Bridge was due to expire this summer, but an automatic one-year extension was triggered in March after he made 35 appearances last season.

Azpilicueta has been hugely influential for Tuchel’s side – making 476 appearances for the Blues since arriving from Marseille in 2012.

Azpilicueta has made 476 appearances for the Blues since arriving from Marseille in 2012

And the German manager was quick to reinforce the importance of the Spain international, comparing him to Chelsea new signing Kalidou Koulibaly.

Speaking last month, Tuchel said: “He’s a national player, he’s the same age as Azpi, an extremely important player, captain of Napoli.

“But we have a Spanish international player, Chelsea captain and I see him at the same level but Barcelona don’t see him at that level so I don’t know if I want to give Azpi what he wants.

“The focus is on us, what we need and what we have at Azpi. I told him many times that I could understand him on a personal and professional level.

“I can understand his point of view. But I am not only in this role to give him what he wants, but I am also the manager of Chelsea and I have to do what is best for Chelsea.