The 32-year-old defender’s contract was supposed to expire at the end of the season and he was believed to be on his way out on a free transfer.
But there are claims that Chelsea extended his contract by another year just before the sanctions were imposed on their owner Roman Abramovich.
Barcelona are keen to take the defender back to his native Spain and are prepared to hold talks with Chelsea for his transfer.
However, according to Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo, the player will try to arrange a way to leave Chelsea on a free transfer.
The Spaniard is set to complete a decade at Chelsea at the end of the season and is the designated club captain.
He is well-respected at Chelsea and Azpilicueta does not want to leave the club through the backdoor.
A move to Barcelona appeals to him and he will soon hold talks with Chelsea in order to arrange a free transfer.
He wants to return to Spain and is hopeful that Chelsea will respect his contribution and allow him to move on for nothing this summer.
