Cesar Azpilicueta to Barcelona: Antonio Conte warns Catalan club off signing Blues left-back

ANTONIO CONTE has flexed his muscles and warned Barcelona off trying to sign £20million defender Cesar Azpilicueta.

Chelsea’s new boss does not even officially start work at Stamford Bridge until next Monday but has already told the Spanish champions there is no chance of a deal this summer.

Spain full back Azpilicueta is on holiday after playing for the deposed European champions at Euro 2016 but has admitted he is aware of the interest from his homeland.

Barcelona’s rivals Athletic Bilbao have also been linked with a move for the versatile right back who has played at left back for the vast majority of his four years at Stamford Bridge.

Conte paid a flying visit to Chelsea immediately after his appointment as manager was confirmed in the run up to the Euros.

He sat down with all the senior players and discussed his plans and their futures.

Azpilicueta has nailed a first-team place and is easily winning the duel with Baba Rahman for the left-back berth.

Conte is having a week’s holiday after stepping down as Italy manager following the run to the quarter finals of the Euros.

Upon his return he is taking the bulk of the squad on a week-long training camp and mini tour to Austria and then onto the US in the International Champions Cup where they play Liverpool, Real Madrid and AC Milan.

Conte has already been active in the transfer market by snapping up Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi for £33m.

He also gave veteran skipper John Terry a new 12 month deal while operating a dual role as Italy coach and working remotely as Chelsea boss.