Tottenham could complete ‘shock’ Cesar Azpilicueta signing after update – pundit
Antonio Conte will attempt to lure Cesar Azpilicueta to Tottenham if the defender fails to agree a new deal with Chelsea.
That is the view of 2000 European Golden Shoe winner Kevin Phillips, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the 32-year-old’s contract situation at Stamford Bridge.
Azpilicueta has entered the final six months of his deal with the Blues and could leave on a free this summer.
According to the Telegraph‘s Matt Law (26 January), the right back’s desire to secure a new three-year agreement is proving to be a stumbling block in negotiations.
The two parties are set to hold further talks but Chelsea’s policy of only offering 12-month deals to players over the age of 30 means a summer exit is a distinct possibility.
Phillips believes Conte will try to sign the player he worked with at Chelsea between 2016 and 2018 if he becomes a free agent.
“100 per cent, Conte will be interested,” he told Football Insider. “I’m certain of it because Azpilicueta is a player whom he knows and a player who did well for him.
“He’s been so consistent since coming to the Premier League. You know what you are going to get from him.
“He’s a leader as well and that’s something Spurs perhaps lack. I think Conte would love to sign a player of his experience.
“If things don’t work out at Chelsea, I would not be surprised if Azpilicueta crossed London to join Spurs. It’d be a shock but I don’t think it’s impossible.”
In other news, a finance guru has claimed Tottenham chief Levy is ‘rubbing people up the wrong way’ after reveal.