Chelsea return to old target in bid to strengthen their squad

The right full-back position continues to be a problem area for Chelsea and their search for a new recruit has taken them all across Europe, from the Serie A to the French Ligue 1.The Blues have now turned back to one of their earliest targets as the Metro report that Marseille’s Cesar Azpilicueta is back on their radar. Chelsea looked set to sign Maicon from Inter Milan but with Real Madrid intervening, the deal looks as good as dead.

Chelsea tried to sign Azpilicueta back in January when a certain Andre Villas-Boas was still in-charge at Stamford Bridge but they failed to reach an agreement with Marseille in time. The Spanish U-21 star’s stock has only risen since, with Newcastle also joining the race for the defender. But the Magpies only view the 22 year old as an back-up option, should they fail in their bid for Frenchman Mathieu Debuchy.

Azpilicueta has two years left to run in his current contract, although Chelsea shouldn’t have any problems meeting Marseille’s evaluation. With Jose Bosingwa gone and Paulo Ferreira the only outright full-back, Roberto Di Matteo needs to add reinforcements quickly, especially with the long season ahead for the European Champions.