Chelsea Transfer News: Cesar Azpilicueta Addresses Rumours, Franck Kessie Latest

Chelsea star Cesar Azpilicueta has admitted he's flattered by rumours Barcelona are said to be interested in his services, but he's committed to the Blues for the foreseeable future.

As reported by Metro's Tom Olver, the Catalans are said to be keeping a close eye on Stamford Bridge and some of the team's full-backs. Barcelona have struggled to fill the right-back position in recent years, and Aleix Vidal's recent injury hasn't helped matters.

Azpilicueta has mostly played in a central role this season but is a natural fit out wide. In the past, he frequently played on the left for the Blues and the right for Spain.

Speaking to the Guardian (via Olver), the 27-year-old expressed his love for his current club when asked about the links:

"

The truth is right now I am only thinking about Chelsea and I feel loved here.

I’ve been here five years now and I extended my contract not long ago. Of course 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.

"

The Spain international renewed his contract with the Blues late last year and has been a regular contributor under manager Antonio Conte.

He's been with the team since 2012 and has long been a favourite of the fans. Loyalty has always been important to Azpilicueta―he only decided to leave Marseille for Chelsea because the move was financially beneficial for the Ligue 1 side, per the Daily Mirror (h/t Sky Sports).

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Azpilicueta is in the prime of his career, and if he did wish to make one more big-money move, it would likely have to come soon. He's yet to give any indication he's interested in a return to Spain, however, and the Blues likely have no intention of parting with their versatile defender.

Elsewhere, Sky Italia (h/t Daily Star's Alex Wood) have made fresh claims regarding AS Roma and reported Blues and Manchester United target Franck Kessie. Per the latest reports, talks between two parties are set to take place during Easter.

Kessie has reportedly been on the verge of completing a move to Roma for months now, with Corriere dello Sport and Mediaset Premium (h/t Football Italia) reporting the move was as good as done back in January.

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The Atalanta youngster still hasn't signed for a new club, however, leading to even more speculation. Per a report by Starsport, Chelsea had a £27 million offer turned down in January.

Kessie is one of the top rising stars in Serie A, drawing comparisons to compatriot Yaya Toure for his powerful build, vision and ability to score goals. As shared by sports writer Nooruddean Choudry, his rise has been a rapid one:

Here's a look at some of his highlights:

This rumours will likely persist until Kessie actually signs for a new club, and with the summer transfer window still months away, he's not expected to make a decision anytime soon.

The Premier League is still believed to be his preferred destination, so if Chelsea want to land the 20-year-old, there's no reason to believe they can't.