Cezar Azpilicueta is in talks over a move to Atletico Madrid on a two-year deal despite Inter links

Chelsea full back Cesar Azpilicueta is in talks over a move to Atletico Madrid.

The Spanish international is set to bring a close to a long stay at Stamford Bridge, which has seen him lift every single club trophy available aside from the Community Shield. 

The 33-year old, who also had an offer from Inter Milan, is expected to leave on a free transfer and has a two year contract in place in the Spanish capital. 

As such, the long-standing Blues star is set to join a rapidly expanding list of players to leave Stamford Bridge, with Mason Mount also close to an exit to Manchester United after a £60million fee was agreed. 

Azpilicueta still has another year on his current contract at Chelsea, but the club are willing to allow him to go for free, or a nominal fee. 

Diego Simeone’s side look to have swooped in with the player thought to be close to an Inter move

The player is thought to have an agreement in place with the club that he would be able to depart when he should choose, with his extension last term coming at a time when bodies were thin on the ground in defence. 

He turned down the opportunity to return to Spain and join Marcos Alonso and Andreas Christensen at Barcelona, but elected to remain in west London instead. 

However, reports in Italy suggested that he is now embittered by the treatment he has received from Chelsea and has asked to terminate his contract a year early in order to be able to choose his future freely.

He had looked set for a move to Champions League finalists Inter, who are losing Milan Skriniar to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer and in need of defensive recruits. 

He was thought to be due for a medical in the Italian city, before Diego Simeone’s side swooped to complete a smash and grab move for the Spaniard. 

The release of former Tottenham and Wolves defender Matt Doherty means that there is an obvious vacancy at the right-hand side of the defence for the versatile Azpilicueta to fill. 

Chelsea have already seen the likes of Kai Havertz, Edouard Mendy, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante and Kalidou Koulibaly leave the club in a busy summer.  

Simone Inzaghi’s (pictured) side were looking to bring the Chelsea defender to the club