Chelsea to swoop for Adem Ljajic?

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 11: Adem Ljajic of ACF Fiorentina celebrates the opening goal for his team, scored by team-mate Alberto Aquilani, during the Serie A match between AC Milan and ACF Fiorentina at San Siro Stadium on November 11, 2012 in Milan, Italy.

According to Italian football website Calciomercato, Barclays Premier League side Chelsea FC could move for Fiorentina midfielder Adem Ljajic when the transfer window opens in January.

Roberto di Matteo has allegedly made the Serbia midfielder his top priority target, and with Ljajic’s future in Florence under a cloud, Chelsea could prove to be a viable option for the 21-year-old.

The player’s temperament has been a thorn in the side of the Viola, and played a part in the sacking of former manager Delio Rossi. After falling out with Rossi, Ljajic was relegated to the bench, and was on the receiving end of a battering from the former manager.

During a Serie A game against Novara, Rossi lost his temper and repeatedly punched the Serbian after he was substituted and had sarcastically applauded the manager’s decision. Rossi was sacked after the game, while concern’s over Ljajic’s temperament and inability to acclimatise to Italy have always been questioned.

Ljajic, along with fellow countryman Zoran Tosic, was supposed to move to EPL heavyweights Manchester United in the winter of 2010. Tosic has since moved to Russian side CSKA Moscow after spending just a year at Old Trafford.

But the deal was called off at the last minute, and he ended up moving to Fiorentina a few days after his move to England fell through for £6.5 million.

Chelsea splashed the cash once again this summer, bringing in Belgium winger Eden Hazard, German international Marko Marin, Brazilian sensation Oscar Emboaba and versatile Nigerian Victor Moses. However, since their recent defeat to United, Chelsea seem to have gone off the boil, and have conceded ground in the Premier League title race.

The talented Serb could represent Chelsea’s intention to commit more resources towards challenging for honours on all fronts, and could provide the impetus Chelsea require to rediscover their early season form. His ability to play in multiple positions all across the pitch will also be helpful to the Blues, as will the presence of fellow countryman Branislav Ivanovic, who could help him settle in the UK.

Ljajic also has seven caps for his country, the first of which came against Bulgaria in November 2010.