Athletic Bilbao are interested in the player
Chelsea are expected to overhaul their side this summer after an underwhelming Premier League and Champions League campaign last season. They finished 5th in the league and will miss the Champions League in the upcoming season.
The Blues ended the campaign on a bright note after defeating Manchester United in the FA Cup final but the club would like to add reinforcements in key areas in order to strengthen the squad for next season.
One of their priorities is to bolster their defense in the transfer window as their backline struggled the most last term and have been linked to host of defenders.
The Stamford Bridge outfit have reportedly been in talks to sign Atletico Madrid defender Stefan Savic.
He joined the Spanish side from Florentina for €10 million fee, signing a 5 year contract in 2015, though he did not played a great deal during his first season. The player has been a regular for the club since then and has established himself as one of the best defenders in the league.
The Montenegro International made 36 appearances for the club last season and was an unused substitute in the Europa League final against Marseille. But played a key part in their successful Europa League run.
The 27 year old has still more several years left in him at the top and could make for a decent buy. But the club could lose one of his players if the defender joins them.
According to Spanish publication El Gol Digital, Athletic Bilbao are prepared to swoop in with a bid for Cesar Azpilicueta should Chelsea win the race to sign Savic. They are even prepared to sell talented goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to raise the required funds.
The Spaniard has been a mainstay at the stay since he joined them from Marseille. He has made 280 appearances in all competitions, winning two Premier League titles, an FA Cup crown and a League Cup.
But it would be very difficult for the Spanish side to convince the 28 year old to join them as he is one of the most crucial players for the Blues.
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