Inter Milan are in talks with Chelsea over the transfer of Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta, according to a report from Fabrizio Romano.
Chelsea captain Azpilicueta signed a two-year contract with the club last summer and is entering the final year of his contract. The 33-year-old, however, is keen on a move away from the club this summer.
Inter Milan have made their interest in the versatile defender known to Chelsea, and the Spaniard has also communicated his desire to leave the club this summer, according to Romano.
The Blues are expected to terminate the Spaniard’s contract and allow him to move to Milan for free as a mark of respect for his service to the club over the past 11 years.
Chelsea news: Cesar Azpilicueta nearing Inter Milan move
Chelsea signed 19-year-old French right-back Malo Gusto in January and loaned him back to Olympique Lyonnais. The Frenchman will return to the club this summer and provide competition for Reece James at right-back, pushing Azpilicueta further down the pecking order.
Inter have included César Azpilicueta in their list for this summer as talks already took place with Chelsea. 🚨⚫️🔵 #Inter
He’s concrete option, as per @SkySport. Could be one more outgoing for Chelsea. pic.twitter.com/EoMuWqG80P
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 22, 2023
Azpilicueta joined Chelsea for only £7m in 2012 and has featured extensively for the side, winning every possible trophy on offer and becoming captain. The Spaniard was close to joining Barcelona last summer before he was convinced to pen a new contract at Stamford Bridge.
The defender has made 508 competitive appearances for Chelsea since signing for them, making him the foreigner with the most appearances for the club. 32 of those appearances coming in the 2022-23 season as James missed large chunks through injury.
Azpilicueta will be hopeful of a quick resolution of his situation to allow him join Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz in leaving the club this summer.
