Chelsea are reportedly preparing to offer defensive stalwart Cesar Azpilicueta a new deal owing to his consistent performances.
The 31-year-old struggled for regular starts under Frank Lampard, but he has since become a regular for Thomas Tuchel on the right-hand side of Chelsea's back three.
Azpilicueta was an unused substitute against Brighton & Hove Albion in midweek, but he played the full 90 in Chelsea's last 12 Premier League games before that - keeping eight clean sheets in the process.
The Spain international is due to become a free agent in the summer of 2022, but according to AS, Chelsea are prioritising a new deal for Azpilicueta this summer, despite the fact that he will turn 32 in August.
The report does not indicate the length of his new deal, but the Blues supposedly view the defender as an "essential" figure at the club given his leadership and experience.
The former Marseille man has amassed 14 goals and 52 assists for the clubs in 420 appearances since 2012 - winning two Premier League titles, two Europa Leagues and one FA Cup at Stamford Bridge.
Ben Knapton
