Sarri ready to hand armband to Azpilicueta

Cesar Azpilicueta is hoping to be named as Chelsea’s permanent captain by head coach Maurizio Sarri this week.

Sarri confirmed on Friday that he has decided on his captain for the season, but is yet to tell the players or make it public because he has not discussed the decision with his Chelsea chiefs.

With last season’s captain Gary Cahill not starting games under Sarri, the Italian has been debating between Azpilicueta and Eden Hazard for his on-pitch leader.

There has been a feeling within the club that giving the armband to Hazard may help persuade him to sign a new contract, but it is understood the Belgian would not factor that into his decision-making.

Azpilicueta has captained the team throughout their unbeaten start to the Premier League season, which puts him in pole position.

And while Hazard is unconcerned whether or not he gets the captaincy, Azpilicueta is understood to be keen to keep hold of the armband that he wore on Saturday against Liverpool.

Azpilicueta is happy to accept the extra media duties that would come with the captaincy, and carried out six interviews following the draw with Liverpool.

The 29-year-old Spaniard gets on well with Hazard and there would be no ill feeling between the two men whatever Sarri’s choice. Cahill might still remain as a club captain, although his admission that he may look to quit Chelsea in January could be factored into a decision.

On the subject of the captaincy, Sarri said on Friday: “I think it’s right the club knows my decision before the journalists. It has been impossible in the last two or three weeks, but I think it will be possible next week.”