Claudio Marchisio: The tireless Italian international would be ideal for Chelsea’s title charge

Juventus’ Claudio Marchisio has never been short of admirers in England, with Manchester United heavily linked with a move for the central midfielder over the past summer and Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho known to be keen on acquiring his services.

According to The Express, nouveau-riche Ligue 1 giants Monaco have now joined the sweepstakes for the 27-year-old, as former Bianconeri boss Claudio Ranieri is understood to have an enduring fondness for his former charge in Turin. So with the race for the Italy international continuing to heat up, should the Stamford Bridge outfit put an offer on the table in an effort to entice him into a west London switch?

A product of the Juventus youth academy and Turin native, Marchisio has only ever known life with the Old Lady during his career, save for a solitary loan spell at Empoli during the 2007-08 season.

An all-action performer renowned for his energetic running and tenacious style of play, he once drew comparisons with Bianconeri legend and World Cup-winner Marco Tardelli from ex-Milan forward Stefano Borgonovo.

Marchisio has registered a Squawka Performance Score of 105 through five Serie A appearances this term after missing the opening month with a knee injury, returning to action on 22 September in a 2-1 win over Hellas Verona.

The Italian has been quite solid in distribution since returning to the pitch, completing 88% of his attempted passes, including 14 of 16 long balls, creating seven chances in the process.

His key passes have come from a variety of areas wide and central in a testament to his versatility, highlighting his trademark mobility and stamina.