Como head coach Cesc Fabregas has confirmed that striker Iván Azón flew to England this morning to complete his loan move to the Blues.

Former Arsenal man Fabregas says he didn’t want Azón to leave and it was the player’s decision to move on, the Serie A club having signed another Spanish striker, experienced international Alvaro Morata, on loan from AC Milan on Tuesday.

“Anyone who doesn't want to stay here will leave,” Fabregas said at a press conference ahead of the Lariani's Coppa Italia tie with Sudtirol. “I would have liked to keep Azón, but this morning he flew to Ipswich.

“A loan that is good for the club and for him, he will play in an important, difficult competition. It’s his choice.”

News of the Blues’ interest in the former Spain U21 international first emerged a fortnight ago, a proposed loan move to Valencia having stalled.

The La Liga club still appeared favourites for his signature with the player having stated that was his preferred destination, but negotiations between Serie A Como and the Murciélagos failed to progress.

Town are understood to have offered significantly more for Azón’s services for the season than Valencia or any other club with Getafe and an unnamed Bundesliga side also said to be interested.

Como were reported to want a €500,000 (£435,000) loan fee, while the deal is believed to include an obligation to become permanent for €10-€12 million (£8.6 million-£10.3 million) next summer if the Blues are promoted.

The clubs agreeing terms seems likely to have allowed the Blues to give the go-ahead to Nathan Broadhead’s long-awaited switch to Wrexham.

Azón's addition could also see Ali Al-Hamadi depart with Ligue 1 Toulouse understood to be frontrunners for his signature. As previously reported, Luton showed interest but are believed to have moved on with Charlton and Cardiff linked more recently.

Zaragoza-born Azón, who is 5ft 11in tall, started his career with his hometown club Real Zaragoza before moving to Como in January for €2 million (£1.7 million) plus a further €500,000 (£435,000).

He is still to make a competitive debut for Como, in part due to injury last season, but played 45 minutes in Sunday’s 5-0 friendly defeat in Barcelona, having also played a half against Real Betis last Wednesday, scoring a last-minute winner in a 3-2 away win, his fourth pre-season goal.

For Real Zaragoza, he scored 27 goals in 150 appearances, also picking up nine assists.

Azón will become the fourth Spaniard to represent the Blues following Pablo Couñago, Ivan Campo and Sito.

Photo: Antonio Saia/LaPresse/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect Source

Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 21:56 - Aug 14 Think he'll be a backup, at least until he can prove his worth in this environment. But it's good to have options. Welcome, Ivan!
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Cafe_Newman added 14:40 - Aug 15 His goals are very Linekeresque to me. I'll settle for that.
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