Transfer Centre

Inter Milan to rival Bayern Munich for Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta?

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 23 June 2023

Inter to rival Bayern for Cesar Azpilicueta?

Inter Milan reportedly plan to rival Bayern Munich for the signing of Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta, whose agents are working on a summer transfer for the Spaniard.

Bayern Munich are facing competition from Inter Milan for the signature of Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta this summer, according to a report.

The versatile defender - who turns 34 in August - only has 12 months left to run on his Stamford Bridge contract, having penned a short-term extension ahead of the 2022-23 season.

Azpilicueta was courted by Barcelona last summer as the Blaugrana attempted to complete a triple swoop of Chelsea defenders, having poached Marcos Alonso and Andreas Christensen from West London.

However, Azpilicueta remained loyal to the Blues for an 11th season and continued to play an important role for the West London club, making 32 appearances in all competitions.

The former Marseille man failed to register a single goal or assist in the 2022-23 campaign, though, as Chelsea laboured to a 12th-placed finish in the top flight.

Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta pictured on July 16, 2022 © Reuters

With Malo Gusto set to return from his loan spell at Lyon to compete with Reece James for right-back starts, there have been suggestions that Azpilicueta could end his association with the Blues this summer.

Bayern head coach Thomas Tuchel is apparently keen to reunite with his former skipper at the Allianz Arena, where Benjamin Pavard could either depart this summer or upon the expiration of his contract in 2024.

However, Sky Italia claims that Inter have also registered an interest in Azpilicueta, whose experience and European know-how makes him an attractive target for Simone Inzaghi.

While Azpilicueta is still tied down to Chelsea for another season, the report alleges that his agents are working to find him a new club this summer, as his minutes could be restricted further next year.

The Spaniard started just 16 Premier League games last term, but his versatility came in handy once more, as he was deployed as a centre-back, right-back, right wing-back and left-back.

Brentford's Ivan Toney in action with Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta on October 19, 2022 © Reuters

Since arriving at Stamford Bridge in a £7.5m deal from Marseille in 2012, Azpilicueta has played a staggering 508 games for Chelsea, the sixth-most in the club's history and more than any other non-English player.

The 33-year-old has amassed 17 goals and 56 assists for the Blues in that time, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, Europa League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup in the process.

As Chelsea's owners work to slash the Blues' wage bill, their firesale has been gathering pace over the past few days, with N'Golo Kante confirmed to be joining Al-Ittihad on a free transfer.

Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Hakim Ziyech are also set to move to the Saudi Pro League, while Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz are closing in on exits to Manchester City and Arsenal respectively.

Manchester United remain in talks with Chelsea over a deal for Mason Mount, while Romelu Lukaku, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Christian Pulisic, Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek could all be offloaded before the window slams shut.