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'Maybe a cycle is at its end': Thomas Tuchel admits Cesar Azpilicueta could leave for Barcelona this summer - despite Chelsea's attempts to keep the club captain with Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger both departing

Cesar Azpilicueta could be on his way out from Chelsea despite the club's attempts to keep him amid a defensive exodus, according to manager Thomas Tuchel.

Centre backs Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, both out of contract this summer, are set to leave for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively on free transfers.

And despite Azpilicueta triggering a contract extension after a certain number of appearances, Blues boss Tuchel admitted they may allow him to leave for Barcelona after 474 appearances in all competitions across a decade of sterling service.