Cesar Azpilicueta could be staying at Chelsea for one more season despite the current sanctions hanging over the Premier League club.

The Spain international was set to become a free agent in June, with Barcelona in talks to sign him as a free agent.

The Blues are able to offer any new deals to their players or sign new ones after Roman Abramovich’s assets were frozen by the UK government.

However, Spanish outlet Marca has claimed an automatic one-year extension clause in Azpilicueta’s contract was triggered prior to the sanctions.

The clause was for Azpilicueta to make 30 appearances this season.

His start against Norwich last week took him to 33 for the current campaign.

Barcelona have prioritised the signing of Azpilicueta this summer, as well as fellow Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen.