Chelsea ‘to sign Fabregas replacement’ with Barella and Paredes lined up

CHELSEA are reportedly desperate to sign a replacement for Cesc Fabregas this week.

Corriere dello Sport claims the Blues are looking at Cagliari’s Nicolo Barella and Zenit’s Leandro Paredes as Fabregas prepares to sign for Monaco.

Maurizio Sarri has spent all season pleading with the Chelsea board to hand Fabregas a new deal.

But with Jorginho occupying the No 5 role in midfield, Fabregas has decided to call time on his Stamford Bridge adventure in order to save Thierry Henry’s struggling Monaco side.

However, the Spaniard’s exit will leave a hole in Chelsea’s squad, with only Jorginho suitable to dictate play from deep.

And it’s believed Chelsea’s top choice to come in is Serie A star Barella, who is taking the plaudits despite being just 21-years-old.

Former Cagliari player and boss Gianfranco Zola could be set to play a vital role in convincing Barella to join him in west London.

However, money could be an issue with Chelsea willing to pay just £32million and Cagliari holding out for £45m.

Paredes is another option and may end up being preferred as he is more experienced.

He played at Roma during Sarri’s first two seasons at Napoli and could fit in quickly at Cobham.