Chelsea icon ‘reaches full agreement’ with European giants with Pochettino set to lose another key player
Chelsea veteran Cesar Azpilicueta is on the verge of joining Serie A giants Inter Milan this summer, as the exodus from Stamford Bridge continues.
Indeed, Mauricio Pochettino looks set to lose several high-profile players this summer, as the manager attempts to rebuild his squad.
For instance, N’Golo Kante has already joined Saudi club Al Ittihad. Mateo Kovacic is expected to join Manchester City, too, with Hakim Ziyech, Ruben Loftus Cheek and Christian Pulisic both linked with departures.
Also, Manchester United remain confident they can sign Mason Mount this summer. Although, Chelsea seem to be standing firm on their £70m valuation, at least for now.
But, recent reports suggest Azpilicueta will almost definitely be joining Inter Milan, after an 11 year stint with the Blues.
This is according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano. On Twitter, he wrote: “Understand Cesar 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.”
Azpilicueta set for Inter Milan switch
Since signing for Chelsea in 2011, Azpilicueta has played a key role in some fantastic success for the club.
Overall, he has made 508 appearances for the Blues, scoring 17 goals and making 56 assists.
In the process, he has helped his team to win two Premier League titles, an FA and League Cup, two Europa Leagues and a Champions League.
Azpilicueta was also awarded the captains armband in 2019. He remains a well-respected figure at Chelsea, as well as among the fanbase.
However, it now seems that the 33-year-old’s time at Stamford Bridge will come to an end.
Chelsea have also helped smooth this process, as they look set to terminate his contract a year early and allow him to join Inter on a free transfer. This is vital to the move going through, too, given the Italian club’s ongoing financial issues.
Now, the focus turns to Pochettino, who will be charged with bringing in a replacement for Azpilicueta. Interestingly, Bayern Munich right-back Benjamin Pavard is keen on a move to Chelsea, so he could be a potential option.
What seems certain, though, is that Azpilicueta has played his last game at Stamford Bridge… in a Chelsea shirt at least.
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