Which of these full backs should fill the gap at Chelsea left by Bosingwa’s summer exit?
Ahead of yet another busy season at Stamford Bridge, Abramovich has dug deep into his pockets to bring in some supreme talent in the form of Oscar, Hazard and Marin but one position where Chelsea are alarmingly short is at right back.
After the departure of Jose Bosingwa; The Blues are left with Branislav Ivanovic as a standout first choice, only the ageing Paolo Ferreira and utility skills of Michael Essien are in reserve.
So who has been rumoured with filling this void?
Cesar Azpilicueta
Currently plying his trade in the South of France for Marseilles the 22 year old Spanish fullback has reportedly already been the subject of one unsuccessful Chelsea bid. Marseilles seem open to a deal, at the right price, and Cesar is a promising young player with a bright future ahead of him. A former midfield player, he possesses many an attacking quality and is a fine passer of the ball, Chelsea wouldn’t go wrong with this signing.
Gregory Van Der Wiel
The 24 year old Dutchman seems to constantly worm his way into my posts but the fact is he is really putting himself out in the shop window. He feels he is ready and Ajax want to sell but they seem to differ on how much selling the Dutch international is worth. He had a woeful Euro 2012 that he hopes hasn’t put off potential suitors from the big leagues as rumours of a Russian move gather steam. He would much rather be playing in the Premier League and Chelsea now have competition from Newcastle and Arsenal for his signature.
Alvaro Pereira
This rumour started when AVB took over at Chelsea after the Uruguayan was one of the stars of Villas Boas’s all conquering Porto side. A valuable member of his resurgent Uruguay national team; Pereira is an attacking menace with a tenacity and bite that would suit the Premier League. It is rumoured Roberto Di Matteo may pursue his predecessors original interest in the left back, as insurance with Ashley Cole’s contract winding down.
Lukas Piszczek
Another of last year’s Bundesliga championship winning side Borussia Dortmund to be linked with a move; the Pole impressed for his nation at their home championships despite an early exit in the group stages. He has a real urge to go forward but appeared lacklustre in his defensive attributes at times for Poland. At Dortmund, and if he were to sign for Chelsea, he has a much more talented supporting cast at centre back to let him push on dangerously.
Maicon
I was as surprised as you were to see this one pop up but some very reputable sources believe this will happen. Maicon is allowed to leave Internazionale this summer and despite interest from Real Madrid the Brazilian is more than open to a move to London. If he does sign however Chelsea may want to let him sit it out against Spurs, I hear he still has nightmares about Gareth Bale.
Who would you like to see at the Bridge?
image: © daly3d
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