Cesar Azpilicueta could sensationally leave Chelsea on a free transfer at the end of the season.
The 32-year-old Spanish international is the longest-serving current play at Stamford Bridge, having joined the Blues in 2012 following their sensational maiden Champions League win.
He has since won the Champions League for himself, two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, two Europa Leagues and the EFL Cup once. You can make you own mind up whether the 2021 Super Cup win is also worth shouting about...
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The Chelsea captain has struggled for regular game time in recent years, with younger players at both centre-back and wing-back coming to the fore.
His contract comes to an end in June 2022, and the most likely outcome will be a free transfer away, rather than a contract extension.
Spanish outlet MARCA believe Barcelona could be a good fit, as they have reportedly been following his contract situation for a long time. Their own right flank has caused them a number of issues.
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New manager Xavi does not look look convinced yet by the American right-back Sergiño Dest, while the returning Dani Alves is hardly a long-term solution aged 38.
What is for certain is that the day Azpilicueta does leave Chelsea, it will be an emotional moment for both the player and the club. He has played nearly 450 games for the Premier League leaders over the course of the last nine seasons.
He graduated from the Osasuna academy in 2007 and then joined Marseille between 2010 and 2013. He has been Chelsea captain since Gary Cahill departed the club in 2019.
For Spain, he has won 36 caps and scored his only international goal to date in the 5-3 extra-time win over Croatia in the Euro 2020 round of 16.
Boosted by the transfer money gained from selling Fikayo Tomori, Kurt Zouma and Tammy Abraham, Chelsea came away with a £90m profit from the most recent summer transfer window, despite also bringing Romelu Lukaku back to the club for the astronomical fee of £103m.Advert
By Dom Smith
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/PA