Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta is set to join Spanish giants Atletico Madrid on a free transfer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Spanish defender signed a new deal last summer, extending his stay with the Blues despite concrete interest from Serie A club Inter Milan.
With Chelsea undertaking a mass clear-out this summer, the versatile right-back is on the club’s chopping block once again. But this time, the Blues have agreed to a compromise.
Chelsea are willing to let Azpilicueta leave on a free transfer as a mark of respect to a player who has dedicated the better part of a decade to the club.
The 33-year-old joined Chelsea in 2012, with the club forking out around €8 million to snap him up from Olympique Marseille, and he has proven to be one of the best value-for-money signings in the Premier League era.
Azpilicueta has made over 500 appearances for Chelsea since arriving at Stamford Bridge, contributing 17 goals and 56 assists. But his 11-year association with the Blues is set to end this summer.
The Chelsea captain has reached an agreement to sign with Atletico on a two-year deal that will keep him at the Civitas Metropolitano until 2025.
Despite approaching the latter stages of his illustrious career, Azpilicueta still has a lot to give on the highest stage, and the Spanish defender is set to open a new chapter with Atletico in his homeland.
Azpilicueta will leave Chelsea after winning a plethora of trophies, including two Premier League titles, one Champions League and two Europa League trophies.
Chelsea have already secured his replacement after signing Malo Gusto from Olympique Lyonnais in the January transfer window.
