Chelsea set to move for Azpilicueta - report

Jul 20, 2012 11:57:00 AM

The Marseille defender has been targeted to fill the Blues' right-back slot next season following the departure of Jose Bosingwa and could be close to sealing a transfer

Marseille defender Cesar Azpilicueta could be close to securing a move to Chelsea this summer, according to reports in the French press.

Roberto Di Matteo has been looking to add some strength in depth to his defence all summer, particularly in the wake of Jose Bosingwa's departure at the end of last season.

Branislav Ivanovic has filled the right-back slot in the past but is said to prefer to play in the centre of defence, so Azpilicueta has been linked with a €9 million (£7m) move.

The Spanish full-back has been tipped for a big future with his country's national team having represented the defending world and European champions at every level from the Under-16s to the Under-23s, and will play at the Olympic Games in London.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has already backed his new manager heavily in the transfer market this summer, with Marko Marin having already arrived from Werder Bremen and the highly-rated Eden Hazard sealing his switch from French outfit Lille.

Ajax defender Gregory van der Wiel was reportedly the subject of interest from the Blues earlier in the summer but any advances for the Dutchman appear to have cooled.

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