Chelsea are reportedly closing in on a £31 million deal to sign Argentine international Leandro Paredes from Zenit St. Petersburg this month.
If a report by Daily Express is to be believed, Chelsea are on the verge of signing Leandro Paredes in the ongoing transfer window. The Blues have been heavily linked with a number of midfielders this month, with Argentine international Paredes believed to be a replacement for Cesc Fabregas.
Leandro Paredes joined Zenit St. Petersburg from AS Roma in a move that left many surprised just when he was starting to establish himself as a regular at Stadio Olimpico. The move to Zenit though, has been quite fruitful for the player, who has been a midfield mainstay for the Russian heavyweights.
In all, Paredes has made 61 appearances for the Lvi, chipping in with a healthy contribution of 10 goals and 15 assists in the process. But, his time at Zenit could be set to come to an end this winter, if widespread reports are to be believed, with Chelsea, in particular, interested in signing him.
The Blues have been in the market for a midfielder this month, with several names rumoured to be on their transfer wishlist. Paredes though, has emerged as a possible target for Chelsea owing Cesc Fabregas’ move away from Stamford Bridge this month, with the Spaniard joining AS Monaco.
The departure of Fabregas means Maurizio Sarri does not have any player who could provide the backup to Jorginho. Paredes is thus, a viable target, who can also be more than just a backup option at Chelsea, with the Argentine international’s ability to play in different positions across the midfield.
The player’s ability to chip in with goals every now and then also makes him an appealing prospect for Chelsea, who have been short on goals this season. And, the report suggests that the West Londoners are closing in on completing a £31 million deal for Paredes.
However, there have also been contrasting reports suggesting that PSG have submitted their own bid to land the 24-year-old, with the Ligue 1 champions suddenly emerging as shock suitors in pursuit of the Argentine international.
PSG could be targeting Paredes as a replacement for Adrien Rabiot, who has coincidentally also been linked with Chelsea, who will still want to wrap up the move for the Argentine international quickly. It now remains to be seen if the Blues can stave off competition from PSG in pursuit of Leandro Paredes, or if they are forced to turn their attention elsewhere.
