Chelsea are lining up to sign a defender before the transfer window closes as Antonio Conte wants to strengthen his backline. This would mean that Cesar Azpilicueta can shift to his favourable right back spot and a new left back can play there. Branislav Ivanovic hasn't convinced the new boss despite putting in a strong performance in the win against West Ham.
Ricardo Rodriguez of Wolfsburg is emerging as their prime target as the Blues are ready to shell out £22 million that the German club are holding out for. Wolfsburg have said that they won't come in the way if their valuation of a certain player is met. Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs said he has no qualms with Rodriguez. "Rici has stated that his future is not with us. But we can live with this decision," he told a German newspaper.
Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte when asked about future signings, he said, "We have a plan. We know this transfer market is very crazy. We must be patient to find the right solutions for the team, to improve this squad. I'm very happy to work with these players. They show great commitment every day." Having already signed Michy Batshuayi and N'golo Kante this summer as they look to break into the top four after a disastrous last campaign, their spending seems far from done and Rodriguez would represent a real coup.
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Ricardo Rodriguez has been linked with a move away from Wolfsburg all summer as he was earlier rumoured with Arsenal. The 23-year-old has a contract with Wolfsburg till 2019 and has received interest from Arsenal, Roma, and Real Madrid but only Chelsea seem to meet the high valuation, the Germans have set for the Switzerland international. The left back's wicked left foot makes him a real threat from set-pieces and could further increase Chelsea’s ability to hit teams from corners and free-kicks.
With Baba Rehman being sent on loan on Schalke 04, Azpilicueta remains the only senior left back at Chelsea. The London club will definitely sign a fullback but it remains to be seen if Rodriguez is the player that will come to Stamford Bridge. Jonas Hector of Cologne was also linked and it is going to be a busy couple of weeks in London ahead of the end of the transfer window.
