Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta is closing in on leaving the Blues after agreeing personal terms with Serie A giants Inter Milan.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Cesar Azpilicueta has agreed on personal terms with Serie A giants Inter Milan. And the Chelsea captain is set to sign a two-year contract with them.
The versatile defender has a contract with Chelsea until 2024, and Chelsea are prepared to let him leave by terminating his current deal. Apparently, there is genuine respect between the Spanish utility man and Chelsea, and they are ready to sanction his departure this summer.
Azpilicueta has been a loyal servant for Chelsea since joining the club, and he has helped them win multiple trophies. Apart from his quality as a defender, Chelsea will miss his leadership qualities as well.
The versatile defender can operate as a centre-back as well as a right-back. He could prove to be an asset for Inter Milan in the short term. The Serie A giants need to add more quality and depth to their defence. And the experienced Premier League defender will be a useful option for them.
Understand César Azpilicueta has now full agreement on personal terms with Inter. Two year deal sealed. 🚨⚫️🔵
Chelsea are expected to let him go by terminating his contract despite being still valid until 2024.
There’s always been genuine respect between Azpi and Chelsea. pic.twitter.com/nodpgZKf5s
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 23, 2023
Pursuing a player of his quality and experience for a free transfer could prove to be a masterstroke from the Serie A giants. Inter Milan had a disappointing league campaign by their standards, failing to challenge for the league title. They will be hoping to bounce back strongly, and signing Azpilicueta will certainly help them do so.
Meanwhile, the Spanish defender has already proven himself in the Premier League over the years and will be hoping to take on a new challenge now. A move to Italy would be ideal for him at this stage of his career. The player has clearly regressed physically, and the lower intensity of Italian football would suit him.
Azpilicueta was linked with a move to Barcelona in the past. but Chelsea managed to convince him to stay and sign a new deal. It seems that the player is now ready to move on finally and the transfer is expected to be finalised soon.
