Cesar Azpilicueta 'ready to leave Chelsea this summer'

Cesar Azpilicueta reportedly informs Chelsea that he would like to end his long-association with the club this summer.

Cesar Azpilicueta has allegedly indicated that he wants to leave Chelsea during the summer transfer window.

The versatile defender has established himself as a club legend, making 508 appearances and winning nine pieces of silverware during an 11-year stint at Stamford Bridge.

However, in recent seasons, the Spain international’s influence has weakened, with just 16 starts being made in the Premier League last season.

That contribution came after a summer where it seemed to be a foregone conclusion at one stage that Azpilicueta would sign for Barcelona, either for free or a cut-price fee.

Instead, Azpilicueta was convinced by Chelsea’s new owners to pen a three-year contract, viewing him as an integral part to the transitional period behind the scenes and on the pitch.

Nevertheless, a disappointing 2022-23 will lead to another new era beginning in West London, Mauricio Pochettino taking charge and there being a mass clearout of players from the first-team squad.

Up until recently, Azpilicueta was not named as one of the players that could leave, even with Malo Gusto expected to challenge Reece James for a starting spot at right-back next season.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, the situation has now changed with Azpilicueta ready to take on a new challenge away from Chelsea.

The report claims that the player and club are currently in discussions with Azpilicueta allegedly keen to take up an opportunity to sign for Inter Milan.

Bayern Munich have also been credited with an interest in Azpilicueta, a consequence of the presence of former Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel in the dugout.

That said, it appears that Azpilicueta is ready to move to Italy instead to boost Simone Inzaghi’s options at centre-back and right wing-back.

As it stands, it is unclear whether Chelsea would demand a fee for Azpilicueta, his loyalty to Chelsea since 2012 likely to be respected in negotiations.

From a different perspective, though, Chelsea have been left frustrated with Inter’s attempts to sign Romelu Lukaku, who want to acquire the Belgian on another season-long loan at a time when Chelsea are eager to cash in on the £97.5m signing from 2021.

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