Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has admitted that the club need to sign a midfielder to replace Cesc Fabregas if the Spaniard leaves in the coming days.
Fabregas has been linked with a move to Monaco and had an emotional farewell in the FA Cup game against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, after the Blues emerged 2-0 winners.
Chelsea have already confirmed a move for Christian Pulisic, but the American will only join the club in the summer.
The west London side have been linked with Cagliari midfielder Nicolo Barella as a potential replacement for Fabregas.
Fabregas’ departure would reduce the depth in midfield for Chelsea and Sarri has admitted that the club need to sign a replacement for the former Barcelona man, but did not confirm the club’s interest in Barella.
"I don’t want to speak about players of other teams.
“If Cesc wants to go then we need a replacement", Sarri told a press conference when asked about Barella.
“I don’t know the situation of [Ruben] Loftus [-Cheek], if it is serious.
"Without Cesc we are only five, we need a replacement."
The Blues will hope to impress in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final against Tottenham on Tuesday, and take an advantage to the second leg.
