Chelsea FC to sign Cesar Azpilicueta as fee agreed with Marseille – report

Chelsea and Marseille have reportedly agreed a fee for right-back Cesar Azpilicueta. Azpilicueta has been at the top of Chelsea’s list of defensive transfer targets for some time as manager Roberto Di Matteo looks to replace Jose Bosingwa, who left the club at the end of last season. Marseille had already admitted that the 22-year-old was available for sale as they look to raise additional funds through player sales, and it was widely believed that last Sunday’s 2-0 win over Sochaux was his last game for the club. It is understood that the Spaniard has been left out of the squad to take on FC Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League on Thursday night and his representatives are believed to have already discussed personal terms with the Blues. And according to French newspaper La Provence, a fee has been agreed following talks between Marseille president Vincent Labrune, sporting director Jose Anigo, and Chelsea officials in London. Neither club at time of writing has commented on the deal, although it is believed Marseille were wanting around €8million for Azpilicueta. “Everyone thinks it’s been a tough time for me with my thoughts spilt between Marseille and Chelsea,” Azpilicueta said after the Sochaux game. “If my departure can help Marseille’s finances, then it is a good deal for everyone concerned. “I thank the club’s fans for their standing ovation. “They have always been good to me to me, even when things haven’t gone well.”