Cesar Azpilicueta has triggered a one-year extension of his deal at Chelsea after playing a certain number of games this season.
The Spaniard's contract was going to expire in the summer and Barcelona have been in talks over signing him on a free transfer.
However, a performance-related clause in his existing agreement has now been exercised. It is understood he reached the required amount of appearances earlier this month to ensure his agreement, which was signed in December 2018, has automatically been extended until the summer of 2023.
It is understood that it is not regarded as a new contract, and is therefore not impacted by the sanctions currently in place on Chelsea. They are unable to sign players to new contracts, sign new players or sell players under the punishment handed down by the UK government to owner Roman Abramovich.
No new negotiations have taken place between Chelsea and the 32-year-old, with the extension being automatically triggered as soon as Azpilicueta hit the required number of games.
Azpilicueta, who moved to Stamford Bridge from Marseille in 2012, has played 35 games in all competitions this season so far for Chelsea. He was part of the side that won the FIFA Club World Cup last month, which means he has won every major trophy since joining a decade ago.
(Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Does this mean he'll stay at Chelsea?
Not exactly. Under Abramovich, there would have been every chance that the Russian would have allowed him to leave — if he wanted — despite the clause being triggered for free in the summer due to his service to the club.
That could still be the case under new owners. They might also offer him a new deal — so much is up in the air, and it depends on their own outlook, Thomas Tuchel's demands and what Azpilicueta ultimately wants.
