Wednesday, 22nd August, 2012
After tough negotiations, Marseille and Chelsea have agreed a deal for right-back Cesar Azpilicueta.
The 22-year-old has not joined his team-mates, who have travelled to Moldova for a Europa League match against Sheriff Tiraspol, indicating that a transfer is about to take place.
According to French daily La Provence, the two clubs came to an agreement last night, after president Vincent Labrune and sporting director Jose Anigo flew to the British capital on Tuesday afternoon.
Azpilicueta is expected to sign a five-year contract with the Blues for a fee that has yet to be disclosed. With negotiations previously halted at €4M which Marseille did not consider a "fair" price, it is believed that the new transfer figure will reach a sum closer to the French management’s expectations of around €8 to 10M.
After selling defensive midfielder Alou Diarra for €2.5M to West Ham and with Azpilicueta’s move to the British isles imminent, cash-strapped Marseille appear ready to make their own debut in this summer’s transfer market.
New coach Elie Baup is keen to refresh the Marseille squad, but money is tight at the Stade Velodrome.
Selling Azpilicueta will bring in much-needed funds.
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