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What’s the rumour?
Cesc Fabregas is in talks with AC Milan according to reports in CalcioMercato. The Italian publication claims that Milan bosses, Leonardo and Maldini have already begun negotiations with the player.
However, Milan are not sure if they will be able to land him and have set sight son other players too. CalcioMercato claim that Parades from Zenit Saint Petersburg and Lobotka from Celta Vigo are their other options.
In case you didn’t know…
Fabregas joined Chelsea in 2014 and has been a vital player for them ever since. He has won the Premier League twice in his stay at the club but his time at Stamford Bridge is coming to an end.
The Spaniard's contract at Chelsea expires in the summer and he will be free to negotiate a pre-contract with any club outside England. The Blues are ready to let him leave as they have enough and more options right now in the midfield.
The heart of the matter
Milan are looking to sign an experienced central midfielder and it looks like Fabregas is their #1 choice. However, they are now working to find out the best possible way to sign him.
Rossoneri are reportedly interested in signing him in January itself if they can agree on a fee with Chelsea. However, if the Blues refuse to sell him for cheap, then Milan are set to wait for his contract to expire in the summer and then sign him.
The big hurdle, however, is the player's wages. Milan want him to reduce it significantly but are willing to adjust it accordingly with the signing on bonus.
Rumour probability: 8/10
CalcioMercato are very reliable and there is a very good chance of this move taking place. The ideal situation will be for Chelsea to sell him in January as it would benefit all parties and it with a possible transfer ban incoming for The Blues, that might be their only option as well.
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What’s next?
The next 50 days are going to be very crucial. If Chelsea are found guilty of breaching rules to sign minor players, they are likely to be banned for 4 transfer windows starting from the summer of 2019.
If they are bound to get banned, the Blues will most likely go on a spending spree in January so that they are not affected too much by the transfer ban.
