Chelsea Transfer Rumors: Blues to Sign Cesar Azpilicueta Within the Week

Stamford Bridge seems, by all accounts, to be the happiest place on earth right now.

This summer, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich finally opened up his war chest wide and new manager Roberto Di Matteo went to town, signing over £60 million worth of new players that included Oscar, Eden Hazard and Marko Marin.

Then, despite a lackluster performance and a bevy of fresh faces in midfield and on attack, the Blues won against Wigan Athletic by a convincing score of 2-0, with the first tally coming within two minutes off a lovely assist from new forward Hazard.

Now, reports coming out of North London tell the story of a club in Chelsea that still isn't satisfied and is still on the war path in the transfer market.

According to ESPN, Chelsea is days away from signing right-back Cesar Azpilicueta away from Marseille.

The reported signing fee? The Mirror is saying cash-strapped Marseille are willing to let him go for a mere £7 million.

Azpilicueta has played in both of Marseille's Ligue 1 matches so far this season, but after the club's most recent 2-0 win over Sochaux, Azpilicueta used his post-match interviews to give what sounds like a farewell:

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"Everybody thinks it is not easy for me, that I'm torn between Marseille and Chelsea, but I respect the team [Marseille] and the fans. I will be at 100% as long as I wear this jersey. If my departure could help the club to get some money, everybody will be happy."

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It's interesting to see renewed interest for Azpilicueta, especially considering how well current right-back Branislav Ivanovic played against Wigan Athletic—scoring the opening goal of the match and defensively staying very reliable.

Perhaps Di Matteo is thinking of putting David Luiz at defensive midfielder, moving Ivanovic to centre-back along with John Terry and slotting the incoming Azpilicueta into his natural position of right-back. This will keep John Obi Mikel on the bench where he belongs, unable to make clumsy tackles and poor passes.