Chelsea to give green light to surprise transfer deal that could see key first team star sold just for £17.6m

Chelsea are willing to sell star defender Cesar Azpilicueta once they sign a new defender, according to reports from Spain.

El Gol Digital (h/t Daily Star) claims that the Blues will be looking at £17.6m for Azpilicueta as soon as a new defender is brought into the club.

Azpilicueta, for his part, wants a return to Spain and Athletic Bilbao are being linked with a move for the 28-year-old.

The player who is rumoured to be the replacement for Azpilicueta is Joao Miranda from Inter Milan. The 33-year-old is currently with the Brazil side in the World Cup and has played in all three group games for the South American team.

Losing Azpilicueta would be a huge blow to the side given that he is one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League, and bringing Miranda to the club would also be difficult.

We do not have Champions League football next season while Inter would be taking part in the competition next time around.

Moreover, Miranda is 33, so he is not a defender that would be playing a number of seasons for us. The Brazilian might be a quality signing, however, if we can get him on the cheap.

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No matter who comes into the club, we cannot lose Azpilicueta at any cost and for any planning done with regards to the upcoming campaign, the Spaniard should be a part.