Chelsea are set to hold talks with Italian giants Inter Milan to discuss a possible transfer for Marcelo Brozovic for a reported fee of €25-30 million. This would help the Nerazzuri fund the transfer of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Mario who was a part of the Euro winning Portugal team.
The two time European Champions from Italy are set to continue their tradition of selling a Croatian midfielder to fund their mercato yet again. Last year, it was Matteo Kovacic who was sacrificed for €35 million and sent packing to Madrid to balance the books for the expensive signing of Geoffrey Kondogbia.
A place for Brozovic at Stamford Bridge?
Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Chelsea will hold talks today with Inter to discuss a possible transfer for Brozovic, who had a good outing in the summer with the Croatian national team (via Express). Chelsea coach Antonio Conte has apparently made Brozovic his top priority with Fabregas set to leave the club in search of greener pastures.
The 23-year-old would be a like for like replacement for Fabregas and will definitely add a lot of creativity, vision and passing to the Chelsea midfield. Such qualities are strongly desired by Conte who always plays with a technically gifted midfielder at the heart of midfield. Brozovic was one of the protagonists for Mancini’s side last year when they were topping the table. However, he suffered his fair share of injuries as Inter eventually lost out the spot and failed to even secure a Champions League berth.
Funding Inter’s Mercato
There is a lot of speculation surrounding Brozovic and Icardi at the club. Icardi was previously tipped to be the big name who would leave San Siro this year to balance the books. However he ended all speculation after he signed a new contract with a cumbersome release clause. Brozovic is now the only asset left who could make Inter some money as his agent has already claimed that his client is up for sale.
Brozovic was left out of Inter’s opening Serie A ficture despite being the most quality midfeilder Frank De Boer had at his disposal. His frustration was also palpable. Inter went on to lose the match to minnows Chievo Verona after falling behind to two Valter Birsa goals. Inter is unabl to complete the transfer of Joao Mario from Sporting Lisbon and it seems that Marcelo Brozovic’s transfer is the only way for them to accumulate the necessary funds, despite their Chinese takeover.
