Chelsea are believed to have an option to extend Cesar Azpilicueta's contract automatically as he approaches the final few months of his deal.
Azpilicueta has been in talks over an extension for the last few months and has also received an offer from Barcelona, who are prepared to give him the long-term deal he is looking for to convince him to join on a free transfer in the summer.
Chelsea remain determined to tie him down to an extension and their cause appears to have been boosted by claims from Spain that they actually have a clause in the defender's contract which allows them to extend it automatically.
It was EFE who first revealed the presence of the clause. While the specific terms of the option are unclear, it is claimed that Chelsea can extend Azpilicueta's contract without his permission, which would block his proposed move to Barcelona.
That stance was then taken by Marca, who note that Azpilicueta is set for more talks with the Chelsea hierarchy after Saturday's Club World Cup final to try and figure out what is happening with his future.
Azpilicueta has no desire to force an exit from Chelsea, having enjoyed a hugely successful decade at Stamford Bridge, but he is keen to secure a long-term contract and is yet to receive such an offer from the Blues.
90min understands that a three-year deal at Camp Nou is on the table for Azpilicueta, who recently kept his cards close to his chest when asked about his future.
"Of course, I arrived in the summer of 2012 and I didn't have kids," he began. "My kids were born in London and you know how I feel about Chelsea. But I am not going to comment on my future."
Source : 90min