Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has reportedly decided to snub a transfer to Inter Milan in favor of a switch to Atletico Madrid.
In the last week or so, the 33-year-old emerged as a primary candidate to replace Milan Skriniar at Appiano Gentile.
Nevertheless, Sky Sport (via FcInterNews) believes that the Spaniard won’t join the Nerazzurri after all.
Instead, the versatile defender will return to his home country for a late-career adventure at Atletico Madrid. The source cites family reasons behind the player’s U-turn.
This blow leaves Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi short of options at the back. The tactician has already lost the services of Skriniar and Danilo D’Ambrosio. Both men left after seeing out their contracts.
The Beneamata can still count on the services of reliable defenders in the shape of Alessandro Bastoni, Francesco Acerbi, Stefan de Vrij and Matteo Darmian.
Chelsea Veteran Cesar Azpilicueta Has Decided To Join Atletico Madrid Instead Of Inter Milan
However, the management will have some work to do this summer to bolster the department.
For his part, Azpilicueta has been plying his trade at Stamford Bridge since making the move from Marseille in 2012.
The Nerazzurri were hoping to secure his services as a free agent. The versatile defender started his career as a right-back, but he can also play on the left flank or as a central defender.
But it seems that the Spanish defender will be a part of Diego Simeone’s court next season.
