Thursday, 9th August, 2012
Marseille are preparing to sign a replacement for Cesar Azpilicueta in the clearest indication yet that the Spaniard is closing on a switch to Chelsea.
Azpilicueta has been tracked by the Champions League winners for much of the last year and a deal appeared to be on the cards for the right-back to move to Stamford Bridge in January.
But Azpilicueta completed the campaign at the Stade Velodrome, though never dropped off Chelsea’s radar, despite the axing of Andre Villas-Boas as manager and the appointment of Roberto Di Matteo.
Marseille president Vincent Labrune has admitted that he cannot stand in the way of Azpilicueta joining the Blues, while the defender himself is also certain he must be playing for a bigger club to force his way into Vicente del Bosque’s senior Spain side.
Now Marseille are taking steps to replace Azpilicueta and have identified former Werder Bremen defender Sebastian Boenisch for the task.
The 25-year-old left the Bundesliga outfit when his contract expired and is now on the lookout for a new club.
The Poland international could fit the bill for Marseille and allow coach Elie Baup to use the funds raised by Azpilicueta’s sale in other areas.
Get the new season off to a flying start: Sign up to Inside Futbol’s Fantasy League – £10k is awaiting the winner! >> Find out more
Latest Features:
- – French Ligue 1 2012/13 Season Preview
- – Gazzaev Dynasty Takes Shape at Alania Vladikavkaz
- – Loss of Experience Means River Plate Youngsters Must Grow Up
