LaBrune: Azpilicueta can go to Chelsea for a "good offer"

We've got some new quotes for you regarding the potential transfer of Cesar Azpilicueta from Marseille to Chelsea. The Marseille president recently answered some questions about the club's financial state, and Vincent LaBrune had the following to say:

For the next three weeks, as it has been since the start of the transfer window, our objective is very clear - we must sell players. It is a major shareholders' instruction. The objectives set by the shareholders about selling are drastic. We are trying to sell to reduce the wage bill. Our priority since May has been to get money to make up for the loss due to the 10th position last season and missing out on Champions League qualification.

We have three players we have agreed to let leave - Cesar Azpilicueta, Stephane Mbia and either Loic Remy or Andre Ayew. However, we have changed our mind about Loic. We will see, but we would like to keep him. However, it is difficult to have a definitive position. If Chelsea makes a fair offer for Azpi, we will let him leave. If there is a good offer for Stephane Mbia, we will let him leave too. We are working in good terms both with Cesar and Stephane.

That's good news if you're an Azpilicueta fan, and probably bad news if you were one that wanted Loic Remy to join. Personally I'm happy on both fronts, as Azpilicueta fills a very immediate need while Remy would be a great option to potentially buy if we still need a striker in January.

With Branislav Ivanovic not suspended for the start of the season, the need to get Azpi in asap is lessened considerably. It would still be nice to get this deal done sooner rather than later, as you never know when injury or random hobbit punching urges will strike. I like Azpi a lot, and he fits everything the club has been trying to do. I'll be much happier having him as an option as opposed to Sam Hutchinson or Paulo Ferreira. Stay tuned...