Tuchel on Azpilicueta's contract extension: 'It's good news'

Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel believes Chelsea have thwarted Barcelona's attempts to sign Cesar Azpilicueta, after the Blues skipper triggered a one-year extension to his Stamford Bridge contract.

Barcelona expects to sign Andreas Christensen from Chelsea on a free transfer this summer, were hopeful of recruiting Azpilicueta too - and this week have met with Toni Rudiger's agents.

Tuchel believes the Catalan giants will be unable to pull off a triple swoop on Chelsea defenders however, with the German now tipping Azpilicueta to extend his stay in west London beyond the summer.

Asked about Azpilicueta's contract extension, Tuchel replied: "Yes, I knew it was going to happen because I knew the number of games when it was going to happen. It's a good thing; it's good news for us."

And then asked if he expects Azpilicueta to be at Chelsea next season, Tuchel continued: "Yes, absolutely. We have a contract, he's our captain, so there's a very high probability that he will stay. I knew it all the time that this is very likely to happen.

"He's a regular starter for us. You know how much I rely on him and how much impact he has on this club and this group. So, it's very good for us."

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