Following Cesc Fabregas’ departure to Monaco, Chelsea now hurry to find a midfield replacement for the Spaniard.
Several reports have been saying that Maurizio Sarri’s number one target would be Leandro Paredes, with other claims of Nicolò Barella, but it seems the Blues are now turning their attention to other targets.
Outlet Calcio Mercato reports today that Zenit keep demanding €40m for Paredes, and that’s why Chelsea are struggling to get him. So the Blues’ alternative would be Stanislav Lobotka from Celta Vigo.
Calcio Mercato claims that Napoli have also been negotiating for the player, but they’re having problems as their intention would be to get him on a loan with an option to buy.
Celta want to sell the player permanently, or maybe on a loan with an obligatory buying clause. It’s claimed that the player is currently protected by a €50m release clause.
Calcio Mercato doesn’t say how much Chelsea would be ready to pay for Lobotka, but if he’s an alternative for Paredes, he should probably cost less than €40m.
