Chelsea: £150k-a-week star now 'in talks' over Stamford Bridge exit

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta is ‘clearly in talks’ over his Stamford Bridge future and speculation is growing that he will join Barcelona before the transfer window slams shut, according to Daily Star journalist Paul Brown.

The Blues have been busy ahead of the new season, with Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly making big-money switches to west London, but Azpilicueta could prove to be a high-profile departure this summer.

Although Azpilicueta’s £150,000-per-week contract was initially due to expire at the end of last month, he has remained with Chelsea after a one-year extension was triggered thanks to playing a certain number of games last season.

However, that has not ruled out the possibility of the 40-cap Spain international sealing a move away from Stamford Bridge.

Barcelona have been long-term admirers and it is understood that the La Liga giants were in talks with Azpilicueta prior to the conclusion of the 2021/22 campaign.

According to Spanish sources, Chelsea are willing to sell Azpilicueta once they succeed in luring a replacement to west London.

The report suggests Barcelona president Joan Laporta has made strengthening the Catalan side’s backline a priority and Azpilicueta, who joined his current employers in a £6.5million deal from Marseille close to 10 years ago, is among his top targets.

Brown understands there is growing confidence that Azpilicueta will wave goodbye to Chelsea after nearly a decade on the club’s books.

The journalist believes the Blues currently find themselves in an unusual situation and are holding discussions with the defender.

When asked whether Chelsea’s pursuit of a right wing-back depends on Azpilicueta’s future, Brown told GIVEMESPORT: “It does essentially, yes.