Chelsea Transfer News: Blues interested in Real Madrid superstar, Chelsea to make double signing to replace Fabregas, and more - 8th January, 2019

#4 Blues to sign Leandro Paredes and Nicolo Barella

Leandro Paredes

Cesc Fabregas is set to move to AS Monaco, and Chelsea are lining up not one but two players to replace the Spaniard.

Express are reporting that the Blues are close to signing Zenit Saint Petersburg's Leandro Paredes, as well as Cagliari's Nicolò Barella. Both are midfielders who have played in Italy, with the Argentine Paredes previously representing Chievo, Roma, and Empoli, while Barella has played for Cagliari.

21-year-old Barella is an all-round player who can move from one box to the other quickly, while also possessing a wide passing range. Paredes is a talented playmaker who can keep the ball ticking and also possesses a great touch.

Chelsea have midfielder Mateo Kovačić on-loan from Real Madrid, summer signing Jorginho, English duo Ross Barkley and Danny Drinkwater, and French World Cup-winning star N'Golo Kanté, as options in central midfield.

The Blues are fourth in the Premier League table, 10 points behind leaders, Liverpool.