Cesar Azpilicueta's contract with Chelsea expires at the end of the current season, and he appears to be on his way out next summer.
Azpilicueta and Chelsea have been unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension, according to Metro. The Premier League heavyweights' policy of granting only a 12-month contract to players over the age of 30 is a major source of contention.
Azpilicueta, who will turn 33 in August, believes that a one-year contract will not give him with long-term stability. As a result, the Spaniard is expected to leave Stamford Bridge on a free transfer next summer. Barcelona has been extensively connected with a move for the veteran defender, with rumours stating that the Blaugrana are presently negotiating the terms of a deal to bring him to the Camp Nou. Because they will not be paying a transfer fee, the La Liga giants are likely to be able to offer Azpilicueta a contract until 2024 and are likely to be able to match his wage demands.
However, with the potential of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen both leaving the club, his departure could prove to be a headache for Chelsea. Rudiger and Christensen will both be free agents next summer, as things stand. While Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have been linked with Christensen, Barcelona is reported to be interested in signing him.
Cesar Azpilicueta has been a fantastic Chelsea player.
Since joining Chelsea from Marseille in the summer of 2012, Azpilicueta has been a regular in the Blues' starting lineup. Over the last nine and a half years, all of Chelsea's managers have put their faith in him, and he has established himself as a Premier League legend.
Azpilicueta has made 456 appearances for the London-based club in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and assisting 56 times. In Chelsea's colours, the 32-year-old has two Premier League crowns, one FA Cup, one EFL Cup, one UEFA Champions League, two UEFA Europa Leagues, and one UEFA Super Cup.
This season, he stands a good chance of adding to his trophy collection. Chelsea will compete in the FIFA Club World Cup in February after reaching the EFL Cup final, where they will face Liverpool. The Blues are also in contention for the FA Cup and the Champions League.
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