Chelsea are on a roll when it comes to outgoings. The Blues needed to offload several players this summer to trim the bloated size of the squad and so far they are on course to achieve it. After six exits finalized, Chelsea are set to sanction the seventh exit of the summer in Cesar Azpilicueta.
CFC have already sanctioned the exits of Mateo Kovacic, Hakim Ziyech, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy and Kai Havertz. N’Golo Kante will leave as a free agent as CFC will offload a huge amount of wages off their books. The Blues are in negotiations with Manchester United for Mason Mount who is in the final 12 months of his deal and has indicated that he will not sign a contract extension.
CFC captain Azpilicueta was also facing an uncertain future at the club. The veteran is a highly respected player among the Chelsea faithful and has been at the club since 2012. He has made over 500 appearances for the Blues and operated as CFC’s primary right back for years. In the last few years, Reece James has taken over the duties as the young Englishman has showcased excellent attacking skills and pace.
Cesar Azpilicueta nears Chelsea exit as personal terms agreed with Inter Milan
Azpilicueta also slotted in the three man defence as a right sided centre back and did a commendable job. However, age waits for no man. With the player on the wrong side of the thirty, pace and athleticism started to diminish and it was time to pass the baton. James took over as the preferred right back but Azpilicueta’s experience continued to help Chelsea.
He was close to leaving the Blues in 2022 on a free transfer but in the end he did stay and signed a new two year deal. In the winter transfer window, the West London outfit signed Malo Gusto from Olympique Lyon who would act as backup to James and take over the right back duties when the Englishman was sidelined because of injuries.
Azpilicueta would have seen further reduction in playing time and has been considering his future at Stamford Bridge. Inter Milan and Bayern Munich have shown interest in the 33 year old and the Spaniard has finally made his decision. According to Fabrizio Romano, Inter Milan and Azpilicueta have reached an agreement over personal terms with the Spaniard set to sign a two year contract at Giuseppe Meazza.
Chelsea are now expected to terminate Azpilicueta’s deal which runs till 2024. There is mutual respect between CFC and the 33 year old and there will not be any problems regarding the contract termination. Azpilicueta is now on his way to join Inter on a free transfer as the Blues will further reduce their wage bill by £150,000 per week. CFC have the right back spot well covered with two young full backs James and Gusto ready to fly on the right flank.
PoL thanks captain Cesar Azpilicueta for his contributions at this great club