It’s been quite a while since Chelsea began their chase after Marseille’s Spanish right back Cesar Azpilicueta, but it seems that this week may be the final hurdle before he finally leaves the French league for the bright lights of West London and the Premier League in England.

The best sign? Marseille have omitted full-back Cesar Azpilicueta from their Europa League squad as they travel to Moldova and play Sheriff, which means there’s a very good chance that this transfer might finally be finalized.

Chelsea have been looking at the 22 year old who was with the Spanish squad in the London Olympics, getting a chance to play in only one match for the U-23 team pretty much all summer. Branislav Ivanovic isn’t Di Matteo’s ideal choice for right-back, knowing the Serbian is a bit more effective playing in a more central role, although he has shown he can get the job done no matter where you place him on the pitch.

Jose Bosingwa has simply never really recovered from the string of injuries that have hit him after a brilliant start to his Premier League career, moving on to QPR, and it’s time Chelsea get a new right back, preferably someone who’s going to last a very long time. Azpilicueta, who began his career with Osasuna, making his debut for the team before his 18th birthday, is more of the Brazilian style full-backs, meaning he spends a lot of time and effort supporting the attack.

He joined Marseille for €7 million in 2010, and after 45 appearances in two seasons for the team, Marseille are looking to sell him (and other players) in hope of improving their struggling finances. It might also help Marseille pay the add-ons in their Osasuna deal that might take the price they paid for the Spaniard to €10 million. Selling to Chelsea will bring money to the empty piggy bank and help them avoid the extra add-ons.

The fee that has allegedly been agreed upon between Chelsea and Marseille is rumored to be £7 million.