La Liga giants Real Madrid are interested in signing Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta during the winter transfer window in January, Spanish outlet Futbol Total has claimed (via Sport).
Chelsea defender Azpilicueta was heavily linked with a move to Xavi’s Barcelona in the summer transfer window. The move ultimately did not materialize, with Azpilicueta signing an extension with the Blues after Barca delayed their approach following Jules Kounde’s transfer.
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Since his extension, the Spaniard has struggled for game time in west London, playing only 952 minutes of football in 17 matches across competitions.
Real Madrid reportedly wish to lure the out-of-favor star away from Stamford Bridge and add him to their roster in January. They do not have a natural cover for right-back Daniel Carvajal, with Lucas Vazquez being a make-shift option. Additionally, it has been claimed that Madrid are impressed by Azpilicueta’s versatility and value that he can also play as a centre-back.
Azpilicueta often plays ahead of Carvajal in the Spanish national team, with coach Luis Enrique preferring to rotate his right-backs from time to time. Coach Carlo Ancelotti could adopt a similar model at Real Madrid if Chelsea accept their offer.
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As per the aforementioned source, Madrid are willing to pay the Pensioners €10 million for their captain. Since joining the west Londoners in 2012, Azpilicueta has played 493 games for the Stamford Bridge outfit, scoring 17 goals and claiming 56 assists in all competitions.
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