Colchoneros pose double threat to Chelsea as they prepare for life after 31-year-old England international

Atletico Madrid target Chelsea veteran Cesar Azpilicueta to replace Kieran Trippier

According to El Chiringuito and AS (h/t ESPN), Atletico Madrid are eyeing a potential move for the Barcelona defender Sergino Dest and the Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta to replace Kieran Trippier. It could deal a double blow to the Blues ahead of the 2022-23 season.

Trippier is looking likelier by the minute to land up at Newcastle United, who are keen on getting his services. Atletico are targeting potential replacements, and Diego Simeone is desperate to get Dest to compensate for the departure. They are in the lead currently and would be looking to facilitate a transfer in the future.

The English club are also interested in getting the Barca star to add to their squad since Reece James is sidelined due to an injury. Atleti have also shortlisted Azpilicueta in their transfer list as another option who could fill in for the England right-back if he leaves for Newcastle.

The 21-year-old’s agent had mentioned earlier that a January exit could be on the cards as the Catalans try to bring in some funds to boost their squad. They have also shown an interest in the Blues skipper for a move in the winter transfer window.

Given that DEest is a name that has been linked with Chelsea in recent times, Atletico could very well land us a double whammy come next summer.

What next for Chelsea?

We must bring in someone this month as the void left by James could derail our season looking at his contributions. The Blaugrana right-back would be a fine option and would be one for the future, as he has room for improvement. The arrival of Dani Alves at Camp Nou could further nudge his departure this month.

The interest from Colchoneros would be concerning, but it remains to be seen whether the Catalan club would potentially strengthen one of their direct rivals. Xavi Hernandez’s team are also interested in the 32-year-old, so time will tell whether that would play a part during negotiations with us.

We cannot allow the Blues ace to leave if the La Liga club seeks his services in lieu of the US international. In an ideal situation, we would want to repel the interest from both Spanish clubs for our captain while simultaneously adding the Barcelona youngster to our squad.

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Thiago Silva has signed an extension with us, and we have to do the same with the Spaniard in the coming days. The latter will see his contract expire at the end of the season, and we cannot allow that to happen considering how Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen would also become free agents next summer.

Marina Granovskaia has to guide us through this volatile market and safeguard our interests for the future. She has a stern challenge at hand, but if her reputation is anything to go by, then we could have a sigh of relief regarding this subject.