Chelsea make enquiry for Barcelona target

 

Chelsea have joined the race to sign Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot as they seek a replacement for Cesc Fabregas, claims L’Equipe, via Foot Mercato.

 

The Premier League giants confirmed Fabregas’ departure to Monaco on Friday night and will now spend the rest of the month searching for his replacement.

 

Chelsea reportedly already have deals in place to sign Cagliari youngster Nicolo Barella and Zenit midfielder Leandro Paredes but are now assessing alternatives.

 

Rabiot has entered the final six months of his current PSG deal and Thomas Tuchel’s side have already confirmed the Frenchman will not renew with the club.

 

Barcelona have reportedly already agreed a five-year deal with the 23-year-old for the summer but Bayern Munich are attempting to hi-jack the move this month.

 

 

PSG’s preference would be to sell Rabiot in January having already confirmed he will spend the remainder of the season on the bench if he stays at the club.

 

However, Rabiot will likely want to want until the summer when he will be able to command a huge signing-on fee at the club he chooses to join.

 

Chelsea are now the latest side to sound out a move for the France international and could even pay a premium to pip rivals Bayern and Barcelona to his signature.

 

Only PSG team-mate Thiago Silva (77.6) is averaging more passes per game than Rabiot (74.8) in Ligue 1 this season.