Chelsea Transfer News: Latest on Matteo Darmian and Cesc Fabregas Rumours

Chelsea are reportedly interested in Manchester United right-back Matteo Darmian, along with Serie A duo Napoli and Juventus.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato (h/t the Mirror's James Whaling), the three clubs are monitoring the defender, who is yet to play this season.

The 26-year-old struggled at times last year to replicate the form he showed with Torino, which earned him his move to the Premier League.

Here's a look at how his Serie A stats compared with the numbers he put down in the English top flight, per Squawka:

	Serie A	Premier League
Apps	33	28
Minutes	2,567	1,924
Tackles	60	69
Interceptions	42	42
Aerial Duels	28	20
Clearances	84	63
Chances Created	40	12
Take-Ons	28	11
Pass Completion	78%	79%

He featured regularly for Louis van Gaal, but his failure to convince has seen him lose his place to the resurgent Antonio Valencia under Jose Mourinho.

Indeed, football writer Liam Canning noted the Ecuadorian's transformation under the Special One:

Despite his difficult first season at Old Trafford, Darmian remains a strong player and one who could regain his form under Mourinho—or Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, who managed Darmian with the Italian national side.

However, after recruiting left-back Marcos Alonso in the summer, the Blues have little need for another full-back with Branislav Ivanovic and Cesar Azpilicueta capable of taking the slot on the right.

Were Darmian to join Chelsea, he'd face even more competition for places.

Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

Meanwhile, according to the Guardian's Gerard Meagher, Chelsea have "verbally agreed" a deal with AC Milan for Cesc Fabregas to head there on loan in January.

The loan will reportedly cost Milan €3 million and will include an "obligation to buy."

Fabregas has been limited to two cameo appearances thus far in Conte's reign, though it's worth noting he has been impressive in both.

A late assist helped the Blues complete their comeback against Watford, and despite playing for just 14 minutes against Swansea City he was able to create opportunities for his side, per Squawka Football:

The presence of N'Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic in midfield does make life difficult for the Spaniard, but he is a more effective creator than either of them—he'll be given more opportunities when Chelsea are chasing goals as they were against Watford and Swansea.

If he can continue to have an impact in those appearances, he may yet salvage his career at Stamford Bridge. Otherwise, a move away seems best for all parties.