Chelsea are reported to have offered playmaker Cesc Fabregas to Juventus after telling the Serie A champions that Nemanja Matic would not be going anywhere, according to reports in Italy and as reported on "?Sun Sport.
Chelsea are working on selling Cesc Fabregas to a major European club https://t.co/Lk35XFJbx6 pic.twitter.com/wvYH9mfxLK
Juventus had identified Matic as their primary midfield target to replace Paul Pogba after selling the Frenchman to Manchester United for £89m "? and while the Serbia international was initially intent of making the move from London to Turin "? he has since since been convinced by new manager Antonio Conte to stay at the club after a series of discussions involving the Chelsea hierarchy.
However, reports in Italy now suggest that Fabregas could be the Chelsea midfielder heading to Italy instead of Matic, with the signing of N'Golo Kante potentially putting the Spain international's spot in the Blues' starting XI in jeopardy.
Paris Saint-Germain's Blaise Matuidi is believed to have been identified as an alternative to Matic by Juventus rather than Fabregas, but it reamins to be seen whether the 2015 Champions League finalists would turn down the opportunity to sign the former Barcelona man, who would allegedly cost £38.5m including €7m in annual wages.
Despite the claims made in Italy about Juventus and Fabregas, "?reports in England, claim Conte will keep both the Spaniard and Matic, deploying them in a midfield alongside Kante, with Eden Hazard and Willian supporting from the wide positions.
As for potential arrivals, Chelsea continue to pursue Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, as they look to strengthen their defence.
However, there is yet to be a breakthrough in the talks between the two clubs.