Athletic Bilbao made a surprise approach for Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta this summer, according to Gol Digital.
The La Liga side have a policy of only signing Basque born players, and with the full back having been born in the region after growing up in Pamplona, Bilbao were interested to find out whether the 27 year old would be interested in a return home.
Gol Digital report that Azpilicueta was thankful for Athletic’s enquiry but said he was happy to stay in London. The defender racked up the most minutes of any player in a Chelsea shirt last season, and has just been given the vice-captaincy by manager Antonio Conte.
After playing as one of a back three last season, it will be interesting to see whether Azpilicueta remains at centre half or reverts to a full back role after the arrival of Antonio Rudiger from Roma.
He is no doubt one of Conte’s most trusted players, and will likely again be an integral member of the first team squad next season.
