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Chelsea transfer news: Sarri sends scouts to watch £22m-rated Serie B wonderkid
CHELSEA have sent scouts to watch Brescia sensation Sandro Tonali.
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The midfielder, who is still only 18-years-old, has been a standout performer for the Serie B side.
His performances haven’t gone unnoticed though.
Italian news outlet Calciomercato says the Blues are sniffing around - along with Inter Milan.
Despite his relative youth, Chelsea won’t be able to snare him on the cheap.
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It’s suggested Brescia value Tonali at around £22m.
Inter might be reluctant to cough up such a hefty sum.
But Chelsea, who are chasing a top-four spot, might be more willing to splash the cash.
Tonali isn’t the only player competing in Italy that Maurizio Sarri is eyeing.
Juventus ace Daniele Rugani is also being tracked.
The Italy international was backed to join the Blues in the summer.
Sarri and Rugani worked together for two seasons during their time at Empoli.
According to another Italian outlet - Corriere dello Sport - Chelsea made a £44m-plus (€50m-plus) bid for the 24-year-old in the summer.
Rugani reportedly regrets missing out on a reunion with Sarri in west London.
It’s suggested the defender would have accepted the Blues’ offer in the summer if Juve hadn’t refused to sell.
Rugani has struggled for game time under Massimiliano Allegri this season at Juve.
He’s managed just three appearances for the Old Lady.
If Rugani arrives, Gary Cahill is almost certain to depart.
The veteran ace isn’t in Sarri’s long-term plans and the Blues are already looking to get him off the payroll.
The west Londoners have reportedly already contacted AC Milan to see if they’re interested in signing him.
The Serie A heavyweights, however, are unconvinced by the 32-year-old.
Milan are labouring in the Italian top flight, with manager Gennaro Gattuso overseeing a three-game winless streak at present.
The Rossoneri conceded a last-minute goal at Lazio on Sunday to draw 1-1 with their top-four rivals.