Chelsea fan favourite moves closer to exit after near-decade stay

In the past decade, few clubs in world football have endured quite the frequency or calibre of success that Chelsea have. 

After Carlo Ancelotti guided the Blues to a Premier League and FA Cup double in 2010, the club reached new highs two years later as they won their first ever Champions League trophy, as well as another FA Cup.

Since then, Chelsea have won two Premier League titles, two Europa League titles, a League Cup and a UEFA Super Cup, as well as adding a second Champions League triumph last season.

Supporters who have been lucky enough to witness the club’s most successful period in history have also been fortunate enough to see some of the club’s greatest ever players in action.

The likes of Didier Drogba, John Terry, Frank Lampard and Eden Hazard all played their parts in several of the successes listed, however one player in particular has been a mainstay during the period of sustained success.

Cesar Azpilicueta joined the club in 2012, shortly after the Champions League triumph, and has since won a total of seven trophies with the club, and few would bet against the Spaniard adding to that tally before the end of this campaign.

However, it now appears increasingly likely that this will be the 32-year-old’s last season in SW6.

The Spain international’s contract is set to expire next  summer, meaning that the defender could sign a pre-contract agreement with any foreign club in January.

Azpilicueta’s deal expires at the end of the season.

According to El Nacional, Azpilicueta is in ‘advanced talks’ with Barcelona over a move to Catalunya.

The Blues’ club captain is reportedly a top target of new Barcelona boss Xavi, who is believed to be an admirer of his versatility.

Azpilicueta’s capabilities in both full-back positions, as well as at centre-back and wing-back, make him a perfect candidate to bolster Xavi’s options at the back.

Right-backs Sergio Dest and Sergi Roberto have both struggled this season and, while Dani Alves has returned to the club, he is unlikely to play regularly at 39-years-old.

Azpilicueta, who joined the club from Marseille nine years ago, could therefore be lured to his homeland on a free transfer.

The report does also suggest that, if a deal can be agreed, it would rule out any possibility of a contract renewal for Alves.

Despite being the Blues’ captain, Azpilicueta has found himself out of favour in recent weeks, playing just one of the last seven league matches.

He is one of four high-profile defenders set to be out of contract next summer, along with Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger.