Chelsea transfer rumours: Cesc Fabregas linked with a move to the Serie A
Rumours are circulating that Cesc Fabregas could be on his way out of Chelsea after losing the first-team spot under new boss, Antonio Conte. The Spanish midfielder has been linked with a move to Italy, with AC Milan and Juventus monitoring his situation.
The Spanish midfielder has been a regular starter at Chelsea since joining from Barcelona in 2014. However, under the Italian manager, he has fallen down the pecking order and has made just one appearance in the Premier League this season. So far new-signing N'Golo Kante, Oscar and Nemanja Matic have been preferred ahead of Fabregas in central midfield.
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It was reported earlier in the summer that Serie A club AC Milan were interested in signing the 2010 World Cup winner from the Premier League side and are the front-runners to land him. The Chinese owners of the club want to strengthen their side with marquee signings and could sign Fabregas in January when the transfer window reopens.
It has been reported the 29-year old La Masia product also has a good reputation in Italy and the Turin-based club, Juventus, are looking at him as a replacement for Paul Pogba. The Italian Champions could pursue the playmaker and compete with rivals, AC Milan.
According to the Sunday Express, the North London side will be listening to offers for Fabregas in January, as he is not a part of Conte's plans. However, Fabregas will not be sold to any Premier League rival, thus a move to Italy is likely.
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The former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder has had a good string of performances for Chelsea under Jose Mourinho and Guus Hiddink and won the Premier League title in his first season with the club. Individually he performed decently for the club last season as well, scoring 5 goals in 37 appearances. However, the team struggled as a unit, as their title defence ended on a disappointing note.
Antonio Conte was announced as the new manager before the start of the Euro 2016 and he strengthened his midfield by signing Leicester star N'Golo Kante. With Conte at the helm, Fabregas has played only 18 minutes so far this season and is believed to be surplus to requirements.
A host of European clubs will surely want to sign a player of his quality when he is made available on the transfer market in January.