Marseille right-back Cesar Azpilicueta has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Chelsea. The Blues have been in the market for a right-back, for a number of months now and the Spaniard is the latest name to be linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
Due to Jose Bosingwa’s injury problems and inconsistent form and Branislav Ivanovic’s preference to play at centre-half, Chelsea have decided they need to bring in a young right-back who can be at the club long-term.
Ajax right-back Gregory Van Der Wiel is a name that has been linked to Chelsea a lot, but it now seems the Dutch international is close to sealing a move to Valencia, which has prompted Chelsea to look elsewhere.
Azpilicueta is a 22 year-old Spanish under-21 international who moved to Marseille in 2010 for around €7 million from La Liga side Osasuna. Azpilicueta’s first season in France was hampered by injury though, as the young Spaniard ruptured his anterior cruciate ligaments and was sidelined for six months.
But Azpilicueta has returned to full fitness this season and is enjoying a fine run of form in the Marseille team at the moment which has caught the eye of Chelsea scouts in recent months.
Chelsea have reportedly been keeping tabs on the youngster this season and their scouts are believed to have delivered glowing references to boss Andre Villas-Boas, who is keen to strengthen in the right-back area.
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