Cesar Azpilicueta's one-year contract extension triggered | OneFootball

Cesar Azpilicueta's automatic one-year contract extension clause has been triggered, meaning Barcelona will have to pay a transfer fee if they wish to prise him away from Stamford Bridge this summer.

Azpilicueta has made enough appearances to activate the clause, meaning his contract will now expire at the end of the 2022/23 season, as opposed to this summer.

The Chelsea skipper has appeared 35 times across all competitions so far this term, helping his side cement a top-four position, reach the Carabao Cup final and FA Cup semis, as well as progress to the Champions League last-eight.

Despite his senior position at the club, his future beyond the end of the season is uncertain. 90min reported on Barcelona's strong interest some time ago and they are unlikely to be put off by having to pay a nominal transfer fee.

As they did with Olivier Giroud, Chelsea would likely allow the veteran to leave for next-to-nothing due to his lengthy service to the club.

The biggest issue for Azpilicueta is the length of the contract being offered. Barcelona have tabled a two-year deal and if Chelsea can match these terms 90min understands that he would be happy to remain in west London until 2024.

Although the Blues believe that the Spaniard could continue playing in the English top flight for some time yet, they would prefer he remain on a one-year rolling deal – as is their policy for any players over 30.

Chelsea remain reluctant to offer Azpilicueta a multi-year deal at this stage. Whether the change in ownership at Stamford Bridge will change this remains to be seen.