Cesar Azpilicueta welcomes competition for places at Chelsea

Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta has revealed that he is prepared to fight for his place at Stamford Bridge next season.

Atletico Madrid left-back Filipe Luis has been suggested as a possible replacement for Ashley Cole, but Azpilicueta, who held down a regular first-team spot during the last campaign, has insisted that he is ready to compete for a starting role when the new season gets underway in August.

The 24-year-old is quoted by the London Evening Standard as saying: "When you play in a top team, there's always a lot of competition for spots.

"I always fought for my spot with respect to all my teammates and will continue doing so."

Azpilicueta made 44 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions last season.