Real Madrid are reportedly weighing up the prospect of signing Chelsea utility man Cesar Azpilicueta on a Bosman move in the summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Cesar Azpilicueta has emerged on the radar of Real Madrid over a possible Bosman move in the summer transfer window. The Chelsea utility man is one of three defenders on Los Blancos’ shortlist of candidates to target for a free transfer ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Cesar Azpilicueta has enjoyed a superb spell at Chelsea since arriving from Marseille in August 2012. The Spaniard has proven to be a major asset for the Blues with his ability to play across the defensive line while also serving the west Londoners superbly as their captain in the last few years.
To date, the 32-year-old has turned out 456 appearances for Chelsea, chipping in with 14 goals and 56 assists along the way. But Azpilicueta faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge, with his Chelsea contract expiring in less than six months. Such a situation has captured the attention of several European bigwigs, with Real Madrid joining the race to sign him.
Last summer, the Spanish giants also bolstered their defence with a free transfer by signing David Alaba after he ran down his contract with Bayern Munich. It now looks like Real Madrid could repeat the template by pursuing Azpilicueta in the next transfer window.
Nacho is the only reliable centre-back at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal apart from the first-choice duo of Alaba and Eder Militao. And Real Madrid must sign a centre-back in the summer, as the Spanish international is only a backup option at best.
To that end, several players have emerged on Los Blancos’ radar, with Azpilicueta a viable target. Apart from the Chelsea utility man, Antonio Rudiger and Niklas Sule are also on Real Madrid’s radar, with the three players completing the shortlist of candidates to pursue over a Bosman move in the summer.
However, Azpilicueta has to be the most attractive option for Real Madrid, as he will also solve the right-back problem amid Dani Carvajal’s delicate fitness situation. But Real Madrid might need to fend off Barcelona in the race to sign Azpilicueta, with recent reports claiming that the Chelsea captain could join the Catalan club on a three-year deal.
