As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are preparing to terminate the contract of club legend Cesar Azpilicueta as he looks to join Inter.
Despite having one year remaining on his current deal, the Spanish international is expected to be surplus to requirements under new manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Azpilicueta, who has made nearly 350 Premier League appearances for Chelsea since joining in 2012, played a key role during Thomas Tuchel’s tenure and captained the team to a memorable Champions League victory in 2019.
Former coach Tuchel, now at Bayern Munich, had shown interest in signing Azpilicueta, but the player is inclined towards a move to Serie A.
Personal terms have been agreed upon, and the 33-year-old is set to sign a two-year contract with last season’s Champions League runners-up.
Understand Chelsea’s final green light to César Azpilicueta contract termination is expected soon. Work in progress. 🚨🔵 #CFC
Azpilicueta has agreed a two-year deal at Inter, verbal agreement in place since last week. pic.twitter.com/UP3ajUKI6r
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 26, 2023
The Chelsea veteran and the club have mutually agreed on his departure after his long service spanning over a decade.
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Even though Pochettino is yet to officially begin his rebuilding project at Chelsea, discussions during his appointment emphasized the need to reduce the size of the squad.
The manager aims to work with a core group of around 24 senior players, and significant efforts have been made to address this issue.
The ambitious recruitment drive in the Saudi Pro League has provided Chelsea with a potential solution to navigate Financial Fair Play regulations, as players like Edouard Mendy, Hakim Ziyech, and Kalidou Koulibaly are close to completing moves, joining N’Golo Kante, whose departure was confirmed recently.
Chelsea are currently in negotiations with Arsenal and Manchester United regarding the transfers of Kai Havertz and Mason Mount. Additionally, it is anticipated that both Romelu Lukaku and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will also depart in some capacity.
While Chelsea’s attention has largely been on player departures, they are also making strides in signings.
Nicolas Jackson is poised to undergo a medical examination this weekend. Additionally, Christopher Nkunku’s move to Chelsea was officially approved on Tuesday.
Although the Blues failed to secure the signing of Manuel Ugarte, who opted for PSG earlier in June, they will reignite their interest in Brighton’s Moises Caicedo.
