Chelsea eyeing ‘new Andrea Pirlo’ Brescia midfield prodigy Sandro Tonali

CHELSEA are reportedly eyeing Brescia midfielder Sandro Tonali - who has been dubbed the 'new Andrea Pirlo'.

The Italian youngster has attracted interest from a number of clubs following his remarkable run of form in Serie B.

Maurizio Sarri has now joined the race to sign the £6-million rated playmaker as he looks to bolster his midfield.

But the Chelsea boss can expect competition from European rivals Milan, Inter, Juventus and Roma.

Tonali has made 25 appearances in the Italian second-tier, scoring two goals and assisting three.

And he has been called up to Italy's Under-21 squad after just nine games for Under-19's.

Italian clubs would be considered the favourite to sign him, but the Lombardy club will be powerless to resist a bid from Chelsea.

The youngster, who was born in Lodi near Milan, is under contract at the Stadio Mario Rigamonti until 2021.

He made his senior debut for Eugenio Corini's side last season and he has been won rave reviewers since.

Tonali has been likened to Italy legend Andrea Pirlo in terms of his playing style in the heart of midfield.

Pirlo, who is now retired, played 116 times for his country and he was a key part of the squad that won the 2006 World Cup.

He won the Champions League twice and bagged six Serie A crowns before he hung up his boots at the end of last season.