Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Cesc Fabregas and Mattia De Sciglio

Chelsea are reportedly willing to discuss the possibility of selling Cesc Fabregas to AC Milan in the January transfer window, with defender Mattia De Sciglio potentially a makeweight in any deal.

According to Calcio Mercato Web (h/t Lucas Sposito of Sport Witness), it’s suggested the San Siro club will pursue the Spain international midfielder, and a meeting is scheduled to discuss a potential move in the coming days.

However, Chelsea are said to be interested in bringing De Sciglio to Stamford Bridge as part of the negotiation. According to the report, the Blues would want the right-back and €10 million (£8.75 million) before they consider letting Fabregas go.

For the former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder, things are tough with the Blues currently, as he remains on the fringes of manager Antonio Conte’s squad. Fabregas has started just one Premier League game all season, with a midfield of N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic preferred by the Italian.

Despite this marginalisation, the Blues boss insisted recently the playmaker is part of his plans, per ESPN FC's Liam Twomey:

Nevertheless, a spot on the bench won’t be fulfilling for the 29-year-old. Fabregas may not be as dynamic as he once was—meaning he’s not the most suited for Conte’s robust brand of football—but Chelsea don’t have a player who can match his guile and composure in attacking areas of the field.

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With Conte seemingly not a huge fan, perhaps if the right offer was to come from Milan, then the Premier League side may be tempted to cash in, especially if De Sciglio moved in the opposite direction.

Here is a look at what the Italy international would bring to the London club if this move did go through:

De Sciglio can operate at both right-back and left-back, although the former is where he’s at his best. It’s an area Chelsea have struggled in recently too, with veteran defender Branislav Ivanovic long out of form; the Serbia international was dropped for Saturday’s 2-0 away win over Hull City.

As noted by Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph, Chelsea looked a lot sturdier in their work at the back without the 32-year-old in the setup:

If Ivanovic is on the way out, then a new full-back will be needed on the right flank to provide competition to Cesar Azpilicueta. De Sciglio, who has secured a starting spot at the San Siro under new Milan manager Vincenzo Montella, would be a sound option to call upon in this segment of the field.

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There are few weaknesses in the 23-year-old’s game, after all. The Italian is studious in his defensive play, maintaining focus and tracking runners watchfully. However, he’s shown this term that he’s capable going forward, too, with some surging bursts and intelligent passing on the left flank.

Having worked with De Sciglio at international level, former Italy boss Conte will be aware of the talent the young defender possesses. He’d be a big boost in an area where the Blues are short, and although Fabregas’ departure would leave Chelsea a little lighter in midfield, it would be offset if they secured the rounded defender in return.