Chelsea’s Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas has reportedly emerged as a January transfer target for Italian giants AC Milan.
As per reports from Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, Serie A heavyweights AC Milan are plotting a swoop for Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas in the winter transfer window.
The 31-year old had been on the Rossoneri’s radar in the summer as well, but no move materialized. However, they are ready to test Chelsea’s resolve again in four months’ time when the transfer window will be open for business again.
Having joined the Blues from Barcelona back in the summer of 2014, the Spaniard has grown into an integral part of the team over the past four years and played an important role in their two Premier League triumphs during that period. Till date the midfielder has made 183 appearances for the West Londoners, scoring 21 goals and setting up 55 more.
However, the midfielder has struggled to break into the first-team under new manager Maurizio Sarri in the new campaign. The Spaniard’s only appearance so far this campaign came in the Community Shield defeat to Manchester City.
While an early knee injury has played a part in that, Fabregas’ game time is certain to take a hit over the course of the season, with new signings Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and the ever-present N’Golo Kante all ahead of him in the pecking order, while Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are also set to provide tough competition for a spot in the middle of the park.
Fabregas entered the final year of his contract with Chelsea and will be able to leave for nothing in the next summer window, which might prompt the Blues to consider cashing in on him in January.
The Blues did some business with Milan earlier this summer, allowing French international Tiemoue Bakayoko join Gennaro Gattuso’s side on loan for the season. The Italians have the option to make the transfer permanent next summer. And they are hoping to use the good working relationship with the Londoners to convince them to offload Fabregas in January.
With a starting spot far from guaranteed at the Stamford Bridge, Fabregas is likely to be open to a new adventure. And Milan too could definitely use a midfielder of his class and experience in their ranks as they look to establish themselves as a top team in Italy. However, it remains to be seen if Chelsea will offload the Spaniard midway through the season.
