Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta is said to have struck a deal to join Barcelona on a free transfer this summer.
football inside The versatile defender, 32, is alleged to have turned down several offers from the Blues to extend his deal beyond the end of this season.
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Azpilicueta has now reached an “agreement in principle” to replace Stamford Bridge at the Nou Camp in July.
The Spain international has been at Chelsea for 10 years, winning several titles including two titles and the Champions League last year.
But the chance to witness his final years back home with another top European team was too good to turn down.
Azpilicueta is one of three key players set to leave Chelsea this summer following penalties against owner Roman Abramovich.
Danish central defender Andreas Christensen is believed to have scored a free transfer to Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Antonio Rudiger has reportedly agreed to join Juventus on a massive four-year contract.
With all three star defenders set to leave, Chelsea will be light on options at the back unless the new owner provides enough financial support to rebuild in the summer.
As it stands, Trevoh Shaluba, Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr will be the only three top defenders at the club.
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Seville player Jules Kounde is believed to be at the top of Thomas Tuchel’s list – should Germany survive.
And Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt is another option, as the Dutchman will ironically be expelled from Turin with Rudiger’s arrival.
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