Chelsea have completed the signing of Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta from Marseille.
The 22-year-old right-back has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge throughout the summer and has now completed his switch to the European champions for a reported £7million.
Azpilicueta is expected to train with his new team-mates for the first time on Friday morning and could come into contention for Saturday evening’s game at home to Newcastle.
The Spain Under-21 international will give Roberto Di Matteo further options on the right side of defence following the summer departure of Jose Bosingwa.
Azpilicueta, who played at the Olympics this summer, missed Marseille’s Europa League qualifier against FC Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday night as he travelled to London to complete the deal.
Marseille released their own statement which read: “Cesar Azpilicueta transfer to Chelsea’s is official. The Spanish defender has signed with the Champions of Europe 2012.”
Azpilicueta made the last of his 69 appearances for Marseille in last weekend’s 2-0 victory over Sochaux.
He joined the French club in 2010 from Osasuna, and although he suffered a serious knee injury in his first season on the Mediterranean coast, he went on to establish himself as the club’s first-choice right-back.