Chelsea squad ‘bewildered’ that Azpilicueta’s contract has not been extended

Azpilicueta is out on contract at the end of the season

Chelsea's players are reportedly 'bewildered' and 'unhappy' that the club have not extended captain Cesar Azpilicueta's contract beyond the end of the season. The Spaniard arrived at Stamford Bridge from Marseille in 2012, but he could leave the club for nothing in the summer if he fails to agree a new deal. According to Eurosport, some Chelsea players are confused about why Azpilicueta's future remains unclear, especially considering that there is already uncertainty around Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen. Azpilicueta is able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with club's in Europe in January, and it is thought that both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are interested in the defender, should he move on from Chelsea. The Blues are also facing the potential departure of Thiago Silva at the end of the campaign, but Thomas Tuchel could look to keep the veteran Brazilian in London for another season. https://twitter.com/FrankKhalidUK/status/1468598378791677955

While Azpilicueta has not publicly addressed his future in recent months, he said in January that he has 'full trust' in the club when it comes to his future at Stamford Bridge.

"I don't have any concerns," said the 32-year-old when asked about his contract situation. "I feel fully trusted by the club since I arrived.

"At the moment it is true that my contract ends in June but I just focus on what's next, to train and play the best I can.

"Everything will take care of itself, I don't need to say anything more. I have to keep doing what I am doing and it will come by itself.

"Of course, I love to be here, I feel loved since I arrived and my aim is to be here for as long as I can be."

The two-time Premier League winner has made 445 appearances for the Blues, also winning the Champions League and FA Cup. Eurosport also said that there is an 'expectation' that Christensen will eventually sign a new deal, but there is growing pessimism that Rudiger will 'almost certainly' leave.

Related links:

• Zlatan Ibrahimovic explains why he floored Azpilicueta with vicious off-ball shoulder charge
• Cesar Azpilicueta forced to defuse beef between Tammy Abraham and Jorginho
• Sam Kerr drops pitch invader with shoulder charge during Chelsea Juventus clash