Cesar Azpilicueta appears set to leave Chelsea on a free transfer to Inter

Veteran Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta is reportedly nearing a move to Serie A club Inter Milan.

The beloved player has slipped down the pecking order due to the emergence of Reece James and had come close to leaving Chelsea last year when Barcelona showed interest.

However, Azpilicueta opted to sign a new contract at Stamford Bridge.

With the impending arrival of Malo Gusto, who was signed in January, to provide further competition for James, Azpilicueta has been informed that he is free to depart Chelsea.

Sources have confirmed that he is now close to joining Inter.

The 33-year-old right-back has had discussions with Bayern Munich and also received interest from Saudi Arabia, but he is now set to take his talents to Inter, with a two-year contract already agreed upon.

Despite having one year left on his Chelsea deal, Azpilicueta is expected to be granted a free transfer as a gesture of respect for his 11 years of service to the club.

Since joining from Marseille in 2012, Azpilicueta has become a crucial part of Chelsea's defence, featuring in various positions including right-back, left-back, and even centre-back in later stages of his career.

He has made a total of 508 appearances for the club, placing him sixth on Chelsea's all-time appearance charts, and the club officials are eager to reward his loyalty with a free transfer.