Chelsea have triggered extension clause on defender's contract

Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta is set to stay with the club next season after an extension clause on his contract was triggered.

The Spaniard has been linked with a possible exit this summer amid suggestions that the Blues are reluctant to hand him a multi-year deal.

Barcelona have been fancied to sign him over the past few weeks, but they are now set to face disappointment with the Blues having extended his stay.

According to Sport, Azpilicueta's contract has been automatically renewed until June 2023 following his 30th appearance of the season last month.

The news will delight most Blues fans, considering the club are banned from handing new deals or any transfer activity amid sanctions on Roman Abramovich.

Meanwhile, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are among players expected to leave when their contracts expire at the end of the campaign.

Christensen is already in advanced negotiations with Barcelona, and a pre-contract agreement could be announced over the coming weeks.