Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta should be offered a big contract by the club, according to journalist Paul Brown.

The 36-cap international has spent the last 10 years at Stamford Bridge, but his time in west London could be coming to an end.

What's the latest news involving Azpilicueta?

Azpilicueta's contract is set to expire in the summer, meaning that he will be a free agent at the end of June.

He has been heavily linked with a return to his homeland as Barcelona are reportedly keen on landing the versatile defender.

However, Azpilicueta remains an important figure at Chelsea, having led the club to the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup this season.

Therefore, Chelsea may want to make a last-ditch attempt to keep him at the club by offering him a new deal.

Roman Abramovich announces he'll SELL Chelsea FC! Hear full reaction on The Football Terrace...

What has Brown said about Azpilicueta?

During his time at Chelsea, Azpilicueta has won every trophy available at club level.

Bearing this in mind, Brown thinks the Blues should reward him by handing him a new bumper contract to convince him to stay.

Speaking about Azpilicueta, Brown told GIVEMESPORT: “He’s been a warrior and a leader for them, and shown the way in terms of professionalism for some of the kids they’ve had there for so long, really.

“And when you consider how little they paid for him, I think he deserves a big contract at the end of it to see out his time at Chelsea.”

Does Azpilicueta still have a big role to play at Chelsea?

Azpilicueta will turn 33 in August, and there is an argument that his best days may be in the past.

He is still a high-quality operator, though, and offers Chelsea so much both on and off the pitch. His ability to play anywhere across the defence should not be underestimated, and it appears that he is a big voice in the dressing room.

Chelsea duo Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are also out of contract at the end of the season, and the club should be desperate to make sure that they don't lose all three defenders.

As a result, they ought to be looking to keep Azpilicueta beyond this season as his experience could be vital moving forward.