Chelsea boss Antonio Conte eyes big-money move for Wolfsburg defender Ricardo Rodriguez

Chelsea are reportedly keen to sign highly-rated Wolfsburg defender Ricardo Rodriguez. The Switzerland international is considered to be among the most promising fullbacks in European football and was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal earlier this summer.

Now, though, it appears Rodriguez, 23 - who is rated at around £22m ($28.9m) - could join Chelsea, with new Blues boss Antonio Conte in the market for a new left-back. Chelsea recently allowed Baba Rahman to join Schalke on loan, which has left the versatile Cesar Azpilicueta as their only remaining senior left-back.

Chelsea have reportedly also enquired about Cologne's Jonas Hector, according to The Mirror. But Rodriguez is another player they are strongly considering signing as they seek to plug a gaping hole in their expensively-assembled squad.

Wolfsburg, meanwhile, have previously insisted they will not stand in the reported Chelsea target's way should he wish to leave the club this summer. Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs said he has no qualms with Rodriguez. "Rici has stated that his future is not with us. But we can live with this decision," he told Blick of Rodriguez, who could challenge Azpilicueta's status as Chelsea's first-choice left-back.

The rumour comes shortly after Conte bemoaned the state of the transfer market. "We have a plan. We know this transfer market is very crazy," the Chelsea manager said, according to the BBC. "We must be patient to find the right solutions for the team, to improve this squad. I'm very happy to work with these players. They show great commitment every day."