Transfer News: Atletico Madrid eye Chelsea skipper Cesar Azpilicueta to repalce Keiran Trippier
According to ESPN, Chelsea skipper Cesar Azpilicueta tops Atletico Madrid’s four-man shortlist as they target potential replacements for Keiran Trippier in the January transfer window. The club captain’s contract at Stamford Bridge expires in the summer.
Valencia’s Daniel Wass is another target, who is at the top alongside Azpilicueta, whereas Cedric Soares from Arsenal and Nelson Semedo of Wolves complete the rest of the list. The Blues veteran will see his contract expire at the end of this campaign, meaning he could reach a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs this month.
Trippier left the Wanda Metropolitano for Newcastle United this month, which has left Atletico looking for players to fill the gap. They are currently in contact with the agents of all four defenders as they try to identify the best available option. The 32-year-old has attracted attention from Barcelona too, giving more headaches to the West London club.
Thomas Tuchel’s side are engaged in contract negotiations with the Spaniard over an extension at the moment. They are highly unlikely to facilitate his departure in the winter transfer window. However, there are concerns within the club that he could reject the new deal that would extend his stay in England.
Cause of concern?
It is difficult to see us entertaining an offer for the Blues defender. especially given our current circumstances. With Reece James currently out injured, Azpilicueta is the only option in our team who can play seamlessly in that role. There is no reason for us to reduce our depth when, in fact, we actually need an addition in the right wing-back role.
Atleti can try all they want, but it is likely that Marina Granovskaia would not change this stance as it would not make sense otherwise. We are still involved in all possible competitions this term, meaning we need all the players that are available to help us get through these challenges.
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The Spain international had conveyed last week that he would decide his future only at the end of this campaign. He added that his current focus is on the season objectives and helping the team to achieve success to build on their Champions League glory from last season.
For all these reasons, we should not be concerned by the interest from Diego Simeone’s side as there are no hints of a departure from the club’s or the player’s side. As for a renewal, it is a completely different matter, but we hope that he pledges his future to us moving forward.