Transfer Rumour- Rafa to bid for Chelsea fullback Cesar Azpilicueta

The Italian giants managed by former Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez are said to be targeting Chelsea’s fullback Cesar Azpilicueta in the January transfer window according to reports in Gazzetta dello Sport. The Naples outfit have fallen short in this position due to long term injuries to Right backs Giandomenico Mesto and Juan Camilo Zuniga.

Gazzetta dello Sport reports the Premier League giants have told the Italian club that they will not consider offers below £17.5m for the ex Marseille man who moved to Stamford Bridge in 2012 for a reported fee of   £7 m.

The Spanish fullbak enjoyed a good season playing forty eight games for Chelsea under Benitez. The 24 year old however has fallen behind fellow right back Branislav Ivanovic under Jose Mourinho. He has appeared only seven times  in this season while playing as a left back twice.

With the world cup around the corner “Dave” will be looking for more game time if the Spanish international wants to be in contention for the starting eleven for the La Roja.

Napoli currently are three points behind leaders AS Roma in the Serie A and are in need of defensive reinforcement in the January transfer window to challenge for top honors.