Marseille coach says Chelsea FC-bound Cesar Azpilicueta is ‘a great professional’

Marseille coach Elie Baup has praised Cesar Azpilicueta for staying focused as the defender prepares to complete a move to Chelsea.

Azpilicueta is Chelsea’s top defensive transfer target as manager Roberto Di Matteo looks to replace Jose Bosingwa, who left the club at the end of last season, and Marseille have already admitted he is available for sale.

It has been reported in the last 48 hours that Azpilicueta’s representatives have travelled to London to discuss personal terms with the Blues and providing a fee can be agreed, the 22-year-old will likely become a Chelsea player this week.

Marseille president Vincent Labrune had last week invited the west London club to make him a “fair offer” for the right-back.

And Baup admits he has been impressed with the professionalism shown by Azpilicueta, who may have played his last game for the Ligue 1 club.

“I shot him a nod because it is not easy in his situation which is open and everyone is talking about,” Baup told the club’s official website.

“He has started two high level games, this is a great professional.

“I see players from other clubs in the same situation and they do not always have the same behaviour.”

Marseille are believed to be wanting a minimum €8m for the Spaniard.