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The versatile defender will return to Spain after agreeing a two-year deal with Diego Simeone’s side
Atletico Madrid appear to have reached an agreement to bring in Chelsea veteran Cesar Azpilicueta.
The 33-year-old defender was hotly linked with Barcelona last summer, but after electing to stay at Chelsea, appears set on returning to Spain this summer.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims that a deal is done, and provided Azpilicueta himself gives the green light, then a free transfer will be completed.
“Chelsea have confirmed to Cesar Azpilicueta and his camp that he's going to be allowed to leave for free; his contract will be terminated. Mutual respect between Azpi and the club,” Romano said via a Twitter post. “Atletico will unveil Azpi as new signing very soon. It's done, sealed, here-we-go.”
Azpilicueta was thought to be in advanced talks with Inter Milan, but it looks as if Los Rojiblancos will bring in an extra defender.
Versatile, solid and a leader, Azpilicueta will be a smart addition on a free deal. Romano says his contract will run for two years, taking him to the age of 35.
Last season, Azpilicueta lost importance for Chelsea, starting just 19 games and appearing 32 times, for a total of 1,828 minutes.
He could come in and compete at the right-back spot with Nahuel Molina, or in central defence, although Mario Hermoso, Stefan Savic and Jose Maria Gimenez are already fighting for minutes. It would also give Diego Simeone the option to move to a back three.
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