Chelsea turn attention to 21-year-old Italian as replacement for Cesc Fabregas

Chelsea are interested in signing Cagliari’s Nicolo Barella in the January window, according to the Telegraph.

The 21-year-old has been impressive for the Italian side and even has four international caps under his belt.

The report adds that Maurizio Sarri sees the youngster as a replacement for Cesc Fabregas. The Spaniard has been linked with a move to Monaco, and a reunion with former Arsenal teammate Thierry Henry.

Barella would not come on the cheap as Cagliari want £45million (h/t Telegraph) for the midfielder. The report adds there is a lot of competition for the youngster with Sarri’s former club Napoli interested in the 21-year-old.

Our manager has made it clear that Chelsea have to sign a replacement for Fabregas and the Italian is a serious target, however, it is unclear whether Barella would join the Blues in the winter window or at the start of next season (h/t Telegraph).

Chelsea have stuck to a preferred midfield trio this season with Jorginho, N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic but we could do with more talent coming into the team.

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The Blues already made one of the biggest moves of the winter window but signing Christian Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund. The American is set to join at the start of next season, and it would great if we add more quality to the side and ensure Champions League football next season.