Barcelona have emerged as the favourites to sign Cesar Azpilicueta on a free transfer next year, with the Spaniard's Chelsea teammates now fearing that their captain's days at Stamford Bridge are numbered, according to reports.
Azpilicueta arrived in England in 2012, costing Chelsea just £6.5million, and he has proved to be an inspired signing.
During his time in west London, he has won the Premier League twice, plus lifted the Champions League trophy for the first time back in May.
However, his contract is set to run out in June, and Barcelona are leading the race for his signature, as reported by ESPN. Atletico Madrid are also understood to be interested in bringing the 32-year-old back to his homeland.
There is still time for Azpilicueta to agree an extension with Chelsea, and talks remain 'active', but it has been claimed that negotiations have stalled between the player and the club.
One stumbling block in getting a deal across the finish line appears to be the length of the contract that Azpilicueta wants in order to remain in London.
The versatile defender has fallen down the pecking order in recent weeks as he has only started two of Chelsea's last eight top-flight fixtures.
Reece James appears to have made the right wing-back position his own, while Thomas Tuchel has put his faith in the likes of Trevoh Chalobah and Andreas Christensen rather than Azpilicueta in the side's back three.
It seems that Chelsea's players would like to see the experienced defender stick around, but this now looks to be unlikely.
Azpilicueta is believed to be keen on taking on a fresh challenge, and he will be free to talk to foreign clubs about his future when the transfer window reopens next month.
Maxmillan
29
I don't know why Chelsea treat players who has sacrificed a lot for the club like this. Lampard, Terry, Cahill and others left just like this🤷🏼♂️. They need to find a way of appreciating them.