Replacement for Azpilicueta identified

Chelsea’s new manager Mauricio Pochettino seems to be keen on making some new changes to the Blues squad ahead of next season.

One of the new changes is the arrival of new players as Pochettino is said to have identified Real Madrid’s Nacho Fernandez as a potential replacement for captain Cesar Azpilicueta, according to OK Diario.

Azpilicueta, 33, is moving close to the end of his professional football career and Chelsea need to adjust to it before he leaves.

With a new manager now in charge, Chelsea are looking forward to rebuilding under Pochettino next season after a disastrous 2022/23 campaign.

The arrival of a new right-back to the team could be a move in the right direction.

Nacho, who is currently in the final stage of his Real Madrid contract, is yet to sign an extension with the Los Blancos.

Meaning, he could leave Santiago Bernabeu for free.

If things turn out as expected, the Spaniard could prove to be a solid backup or even a replacement for Azpilicueta at Chelsea.

He has the experience of playing in the biggest games during his time at Madrid.