Chelsea are set to continue their summer spending by clinching the £23.5m signing of German striker Andre Schurrle from Bayern Leverkusen, according to the Daily Star.
Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo confirmed yesterday the European champions and FA Cup winners were aiming to bring in a forward before the transfer window closes at the end of the month. Despite losing experienced striker Didier Drogba – who joined Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua this summer – the Blues are going for the relatively inexperienced Schurrle to boost their attack. But at 21, the Bayer Leverkusen star has already been capped four times by Germany, scoring twice in qualifiers for Euro 2012. At the tournament he was handed the No.9 shirt, came on as a substitute in the group victory over Denmark and started the quarter-final win against Greece. With the Londoners going for a far more creative and adaptable approach this season, Schurrle – who can play as a forward or winger – fits the new blueprint as he has been acclaimed for his dribbling skills.
The Blues are also poised to confirm the signing of Marseille right-back Cesar Azpilicueta this week for around £7m. Following the departure of Jose Bosingwa, the 22-year-old Spaniard will provide competition for Branislav Ivanovic, who prefers to play in central defence.
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