EPL: New Chelsea owner, Boehly faces first challenge as top star insist on leaving Stamford Bridge

Chelsea’s captain, Cesar Azpilicueta, has refused to stay at Stamford Bridge despite a successful takeover by new owner Todd Boehly, according to AS.

He was in attendance at Stamford Bridge for the 2-2 draw against Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday.

Boehly’s first major issue at the club is that of one of Chelsea’s key players, Azpilicueta set to tell the new owner his intent on leaving this summer.

It was confirmed on Saturday morning that Boehly, a US business tycoon, has agreed a £4.25billion deal to buy the Blues.

The new owner has already identified the need to resolve the contract gripes of Reece James and Mason Mount as a priority.

Its too late now to stop the likes of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger from leaving Stamford Bridge in the summer while Cesar Azpilicueta is also determined to leave.

AS reports that Azpilicueta, who joined Chelsea back in 2013, has agreed a two-year deal with Barcelona with an option to sign for a further 12 months, worth €13million-a-year.

Azpilicueta triggered a one-year extension in March after activating a performance-related clause.

The Spain international reached the required amount of appearances earlier to ensure his agreement, which was signed in December 2018, was automatically extended until the summer of 2023.