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Chelsea transfer news: Reporter delivers big blow over Nicolo Barella and Leandro Paredes
CHELSEA could miss out on BOTH of their top midfield targets in the January transfer window, claims Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.
Chelsea are in the market for a new midfielder to allow Cesc Fabregas to leave the club.
Fabregas has agreed to join Ligue 1 side Monaco at the end of the season upon the expiry of his contract.
However, Chelsea will only grant his wish of leaving this month if they can source a replacement.
Cagliari’s Nicolo Barella is one target for Chelsea, with Zenit St Petersburg’s Leandro Paredes another.
It’s thought the player himself wants a return home to Argentina to play for Boca Juniors.
But Sheth claims Napoli are now favourites to land 21-year-old Barella.
“So, who’s in the frame to replace Fabregas?” he said on Sky Sports News.
“Cagliari’s Nicolo Barella is [Maurizio] Sarri’s choice but his former club Napoli want him too.
“Sky in Italy have Napoli as the favourites.
“Barella is valued at around £45million and has been described as, wait for it, the Sardinian Steven Gerrard.”
Sheth has also revealed a doubt over a move for 24-year-old Argentina international Paredes.
He claims the midfielder would prefer a return to Boca Juniors, the club he spent his youth career at and made 29 senior appearances before moving to Italian outfit Chievo in 2014.
“If not Barella, another option is this man - Leandro Paredes from Zenit St Petersburg,” Sheth continued.
“There have been initial talks, AC Milan are also interested.
“It’s thought the player himself wants a return home to Argentina to play for Boca Juniors.”
Paredes has won nine caps for his country, scoring one goal.
Barella, meanwhile, has played four times for Italy.