Cesar Azpilicueta has triggered a contract extension in his deal at Chelsea, but the defender’s future remains uncertain beyond the end of the season.
Azpilicueta’s deal was set to expire at the end of the campaign, though it is understood the club captain has activated an appearance-based clause to extend his deal until 2023.
Chelsea are unable to agree new deals with players at present amid the sanctions placed on owner Roman Abramovich, but the clause was agreed before those sanctions came into place and has been activated.
The Times are reporting that the renewal does not necessarily mean Azpilicueta will remain at Chelsea next season however, with the 32-year-old considering a return to Spain after a decade at Stamford Bridge.
Barcelona are interested in a deal to sign the full-back as Xavi looks to add experience to his side in Catalonia and Azpilicueta has not yet made a decision on his future.
Barcelona are also interested in signing Andreas Christensen from Chelsea on a free transfer and lead Bayern Munich in the race for the centre-back, whilst Antonio Rudiger’s future remains uncertain in the current circumstances as he approaches the end of his contract this summer.
