Chelsea are reportedly looking to replace outgoing midfielder Cesc Fabregas with Cagliari man Nicolo Barella, according to suggestions in the media.
The Spaniard has been linked with a move to Ligue 1 Monaco in recent weeks to link up with former Arsenal teammate Thierry Henry. That move now looks close with Fabregas apparently having made his last appearance for the Blues in a 2-0 victor over Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup at the weekend.
However, Sky Sports have suggested that Maurizio Sarri is looking to replace the 31-year-old with Cagliari midfielder Barella. The reports also imply that it will not be cheap to recruit the youngster, with a price of £45m touted.
Barella, 21, progressed through the youth ranks with Cagliari and has gone on to make 94 appearances. During the current campaign, he has made 20 appearances in all competitions and scored once. He has also captained the side on six occasions.
Barella also made his debut for the Italian national side in October and has gone on to make a further three appearances. Should he arrive at Stamford Bridge, he would become the second new recruit in the January transfer window following the confirmation of Christian Pulisic’s arrival from Borussia Dortmund.
Regarding Sarri’s men, they sit in fourth, ten points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League and can be backed at 150/1 to win the league with Paddy Power.
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