Chelsea are not ending the transfer window on a positve note. The Blues have lost out on a major target.
Maurizio will be unsatisfied if Chelsea’s squad is not replenished with further reinforcements before the end of the ongoing transfer window. The Blues have completed the signing of their top target, Gonzalo Higuain but the midfield was crying out for a new face and that need has not been fulfilled yet.
After Cesc Fabregas’s departure to Monaco, the London giants were on the lookout for a new deep-lying playmaker. They had identified Zenit St. Petersburg’s Leandro Paredes as a potential signing. The Argentinian was seen as an able deputy to Jorginho while his abilities also meant that he could be used in a role further forward if necessary.
Early on, the Blues were running a one-horse race for his signatures but movements across Europe threw a huge wrench in their plans.
French giants Paris Saint-Germain confirmed the midfielder’s signing earlier today. They had already lost out to Barcelona for Frenkie De Jong’s signature and were in no mood to missing out on another midfield target. Les Parisien’s engine room is already facing some troubles, Verratti faces continuous spells on the sidelines while Adrien Rabiot is all but gone. They moved quickly and decisively to get their man leaving Chelsea empty handed.
Chelsea, meanwhile, will turn their attention to Nicolo Barella. The Italian youngster has been likened to Andrea Pirlo and will not come in cheap. Furthermore, chances of his arrival in January are slim to none. However, it is clear that Sarri requires another body in the midfield, especially to supplement Jorginho. Former Napoli regista has been overworked in his first season in England and the effects are clearly showing.
Author’s Take
A huge blow for Chelsea. They were looking to wrap up another promising signing to enhance their chances of retaining their 4th spot but this is a major setback. However, Sarri has gotten his man in the form of Gonzalo Higuain. He will be hoping that an increased output in attack will mask midfield’s deficiencies.
