Chelsea have identified highly rated Cagliari midfielder Nicolo Barella as their top transfer target to replace Cesc Fabregas, claims The Daily Telegraph.
Fabregas is due to play in Chelsea’s FA Cup third round clash with Nottingham Forest this weekend before completing a move to Monaco.
The Spaniard’s departure will leave Chelsea short of options in central midfield for the second half of the season and Maurizio Sarri has his eyes set on Barella to fill the void.
Barella has been heavily linked with a Premier League move since the end of last season but now Chelsea are looking to beat their rivals to his signature.
The 21-year-old is regarded as one of the best prospects in Serie A and the Cagliari midfielder has even forced his way into Roberto Mancini’s first-team plans for the Italian national team this term. Cagliari are also aware of interest in Barella from Serie A rivals Inter and Napoli and value the youngster at £45m.
Barella has made more tackles than any other player aged 23 and under in Serie A this season (49).