Chelsea 'demand £7m from Barcelona for Cesar Azpilicueta'

The Spaniard has spent 10 years at Stamford Bridge, but with only a year remaining on his current contract, Azpilicueta has been linked with a move away.

Barcelona are leading the race for his signature, with personal terms supposedly agreed between the player and the Catalan giants, although there is still some way to go before a transfer can be completed.

According to the Standard, Chelsea have informed Barcelona that they will need to pay £7m to prise the defender away from West London.

The Blues are looking to recoup the £7m fee they paid to sign Azpilicueta from Marseille in 2012, although the report indicates there is room for negotiation.

Thomas Tuchel has allegedly expressed a desire to keep Spain international, but with Nathan Ake closing in on a return to Chelsea, Azpilicueta will be allowed to leave.

A move to Barcelona would see the 32-year-old receive £11m per season before tax, which would represent a significant pay rise.

Azpilicueta has made over 474 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 17 goals in his time with the club.