Chelsea ‘are determined to keep hold of defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen’

Chelsea ‘are determined to keep hold of their defensive duo Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen’ despite interest from Barcelona.

Both players will see their contracts expire in the summer and are free to talk to interested clubs as of this month.

Danish defender Christensen, 25, is also a target for Bayern Munich having failed to commit to a new Chelsea deal despite months of negotiations.

Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta (left) and Andreas Christensen (right) will both see their contracts expire at the end of the season

Thomas Tuchel’s side are reportedly determined to keep hold of both players this summer

The Evening Standard report that Chelsea have no intention of letting either player leave despite Barcelona’s intent to include them both in a summer squad overhaul.

Barcelona are increasingly confident they can do a deal for Christensen and are also trying to sign Azpilicueta, 32, on a two-year contract with the option of a further 12 months.

Reports have suggested that Chelsea are relaxed about their captain’s contract situation with director Marina Granovskaia happy to let the situation play out until the final weeks of his existing deal.

Azpilicueta fights Tottenham’s Ryan Sessegnon for the ball during Sundya’s 2-0 victory

Christensen celebrates after scoring for Chelsea in their FA Cup tie with Chesterfield

But the length of the proposed contract offer has proved a sticking point and Barcelona’s two-year option will be tempting for the Spaniard.

Chelsea’s negotiations with another defender, Antonio Rudiger, are ongoing with the German attracting interest from leading European clubs Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

While Jules Kounde of Sevilla remains a summer defensive target for Thomas Tuchel, they will need further reinforcements at the back if any of Rudiger, Azpilicueta or Christensen depart.