Chelsea star agrees move away from club after more than 500 appearances

Chelsea have experienced a summer of huge change so far, with several first team players leaving the club since the start of the transfer window. 

Midfielder N’Golo Kante left to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad upon the expiry of his contract with the Blues, while Senegal internationals Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly have also moved to the Pro League.

Forward Kai Havertz joined London rivals Arsenal, and midfielder Mateo Kovacic moved to Premier League and Champions League holders Manchester City.

On Friday, academy graduate Ruben Loftus-Cheek departed his boyhood club having made more than 150 appearances for the Blues.

Now, though, it appears that one of Chelsea’s most senior players could also be on his way out of Stamford Bridge.

According to Fabrizio Romano, veteran defender Cesar Azpilicueta is on the verge of joining Atletico Madrid.

The Spaniard will reportedly have his contract terminated by mutual consent, allowing him to then join the La Liga side on a free transfer.

Azpilicueta is expected to join Spanish side Atletico Madrid on a free transfer

Azpilicueta, 33, joined Chelsea from French club Marseille back in 2012 and has since made 508 appearances for the club.

The Spain international has lifted a total of nine trophies during his spell at Stamford Bridge, including the Champions League and two Premier League titles.

He was a regular for the Blues and captained his side on more than 200 occasions, but his playing time decreased over the past couple of seasons.

Last term, the full-back made 32 appearances across all competitions but started just 16 Premier League games.

Romano claims that Azpilicueta has been allowed to leave as there is a huge amount of respect between himself and his current employers.

Azpilicueta’s contract with Chelsea was set to run until next summer after he signed an extension last year, but it appears that he will now be cutting short his time in west London.