Football transfers: Cesar Azpilicueta leaves Chelsea after 11 years; PSG make double signings

In another busy day in the world of football transfers, Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta joined Atletico Madrid on Thursday while Paris Saint-Germain added some firepower to their squad with the arrival of Marco Asensio and bolstered their defence by signing Milan Skriniar on a five-year deal.

Described by Chelsea as a warrior and a champion, Azpilicueta ended his 11-year, trophy-laden spell at the London club and signed a one-year deal with Atletico Madrid.

Spain defender Azpilicueta won every major title with Chelsea, including two English Premier Leagues and the Champions League.

“Cesar leaves an everlasting mark at Chelsea, as a warrior, as a champion, and as a loyal Chelsea legend,” club co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali said. “He has set the standards at the club for more than a decade and demonstrated to everyone what is required day in, day out, to achieve success.”

The 33-year-old Azpilicueta made 508 appearances for Chelsea and won nine trophies after signing from Marseille in 2012.

He also won the FA Cup, English League Cup, two Europa Leagues, European Super Cup and Club World Cup.

PSG’s double signings

PSG announced their first two recruits of the summer a day after unveiling new coach Luis Enrique.

Asensio joined on a three-year deal through June 2026, PSG said. The left-footed striker won three Spanish league titles and three Champions Leagues with Real Madrid. He previously worked with Enrique when the Spanish manager was in charge of the national squad.