The form of Branislav Ivanovic has got Chelsea supporters concerned this season and the Blues have already made contact for a potential replacement at right back, report the Daily Star.
According to the publication, Antonio Conte’s side have approached Athletic Bilbao about the availability of uncapped Spanish full back Oscar de Marcos.
The 27-year-old has performed over 200 times for Bilbao in La Liga but Chelsea would have to shell out a huge fee of £35 million to trigger his release clause at San Mames.
What’s more, it appears Chelsea don’t simply face the hurdle of having to stump up £35 million but also the preference of the player himself who is more than settled in the Basque County right now.
In quotes attributed to the Daily Star’s report, De Marcos claimed: “It’s impossible. I would not go.
“The more times you say, it seems to lose credibility – but people who know me know that.”
While de Marcos’ outlook won’t buoy Chelsea supporters right now, the report also claims that Antonio Conte is preparing a four-year double-your-money deal in an attempt to reverse the Spaniards’ decision making ahead of the January transfer window.