Chelsea Looking To Sign Bundesliga Defender

Chelsea Looking To Sign Bundesliga Defender

It looks like Azpilicueta might be being lined up to replace Ivanovic on a long-term basis. To be fair, the Spaniard was played out of position for the past two seasons and even though he did a great job, he is probably better off on the right side of the defence. Ivanovic who is currently covering the left flank, was not in the best of form against Watford and may leave at the end of this season when his contract extension ends. Because of his age, the Serbian international will probably be featured a lot less on the flank. Who will take his place though? Baba Rahman was sent to Schalke for another year to spend on loan which only leaves Kenedy who is just 20-years-old and lacks experience.

According to Metro, Conte might have a solution in mind already. Apparently, Arsenal target Ricardo Rodriguez has emerged as a solid option for the left side of the defense. Wolfsburg’s player who has been in contact with the Gunners was rumored to have been on the verge of leaving his current club. Despite signing a contract extension in 2015, he is looking for a team that has a serious chance to win big trophies. Even if Chelsea failed to do anything noticeable last season while Wolfsburg went on to reach the Champions League quarter-finals and won the DFL-Super Cup, there is great appeal in playing in the Premier League. Rodriguez who is now 23 has shown immense maturity during Euro 2016 and was one of Switzerland’s key players as he is for Wolfsburg. He is fast, he has an excellent technique and an impeccable work ethic. He is more than capable of handling a game every 3 days and he has the experience despite being very young.  The only problem with the Swiss international might be that he suffered a back injury which has kept him off the pitch on three separate occasions.

Rodriguez is valued at £22million right now which sounds like a bargain in today’s transfer market. With him on the left and with Azpilicueta on the right Chelsea would gain a lot more speed in the full-back positions. Even if this is not the most urgent transfer to make, it would still represent a boost for Chelsea and also a long term solution. Hopefully the Switzerland left-back will not be the only one being transferred this summer as the Blues need a back-up center-back and very probably another keeper.