Azpilicueta open to Chelsea switch

Marseille defender Cesar Azpilicueta says he has had no approach from Chelsea regarding a possible move to the Stamford Bridge club.

But the Spanish defender said he would consider switching to the English Premier League in a bid to increase his chances of being selected for the Spanish national team.

The 22-year-old right back has been the subject of reports linking him with a possible 14 million-euro switch to Chelsea, but said he is happy in France.

“For me, these are just rumours,” Azpilicueta told L’Equipe. “There has been no contact, and I am still bound to OM until 2014.”

“Now, if the leaders of Chelsea want me, they should first discuss that with OM. If a proposal comes, I will think about it.”

“It is more difficult to start in the national team when you do not play at a great club. You have to be at Real Madrid or Barcelona.”

“But I feel good today at OM.”

Azpilicueta joined Marseille in June 2010 and has made 45 appearances for Didier Deschamps’ side, though the full-back has yet to make his debut at international level with the likes of Sergio Ramos and Alvaro Arbeloa ahead in the pecking order.

Chelsea’s links with the Spaniard come as manager Andre Villas-Boas seeks to revitalise his backline, having already signed Bolton’s Gary Cahill in a seven million-pound deal, with centre-back Alex set to depart the club.