Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Cesc Fabregas and Jonas Hector Rumours

Cesc Fabregas reportedly wants to stay at Chelsea, despite mounting speculation that the former Barcelona playmaker will be sold this summer.

The 29-year-old was left on the bench for Chelsea's first game of the new Premier League season, a 2-1 win over West Ham United at Stamford Bridge. It was also Antonio Conte's debut as the Blues' head coach.

Conspicuous by his absence from the starting XI, Fabregas is nonetheless committed to a future with Chelsea, per Sky Sports News HQ: "Cesc Fabregas is fully focused on playing for Chelsea and working under new head coach Antonio Conte, according to Sky sources."

The report goes on to insist that the Spain international remains "keen to prove his worth under the Italian."

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This development goes against earlier reports stating that the former Arsenal captain was destined for the exit door. The Daily Mirror's Ed Malyon noted that Fabregas has been "offered" to old club Barcelona, Serie A giants Juventus and Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain "in the past weeks."

Fabregas was even linked with Barca's bitter enemy Real Madrid, per Spanish publication Sport (h/t Samuel Lovett of The Independent).

These reports emerged despite Conte's endeavours to play down the speculation after the West Ham game, during an interview on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football (h/t Nick Lustig of Sky Sports): "Cesc is Chelsea's player, and I'm happy about him, with his attitude and behaviour. He must know from before that when we are a great team like Chelsea it can happen that I have to take a decision before the game to choose a starting XI."

Fabregas was missed in what proved to be a challenging debut for Conte. Without the Spaniard's vision, the Blues struggled to create much in the final third. They were also sluggish when shifting the ball in midfield, as natural destroyers Nemanja Matic and new signing N'Golo Kante struggled to impose themselves creatively.

Fabregas still boasts qualities Chelsea need, despite a rough second season in west London. His eye for a defence-splitting pass is as keen as any such master in Europe. It's something attacking talents such as striker Diego Costa and wingers Eden Hazard and Willian will need.

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Conte should ensure Chelsea are always compact and tough to break down, but he'll need to put his faith in Fabregas if he wants to see more fluency and flair in forward areas.

Chelsea Keen on Jonas Hector

Conte may have issues up front, but he's also staying mindful of the need to tweak things at the back.

In fact, he's keen on a deal for Germany international left-back Jonas Hector, according to ESPN FC's Peter O'Rourke.

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According to O'Rourke, Chelsea want a replacement for Baba Rahman and are ready to beat Liverpool to Hector: "However, sources said Chelsea are now ready to move in and try to steal Hector from under the noses of their Premier League rivals."

O'Rourke did point out one potential issue, though: "Any move for Hector has been complicated with Cologne extending Hector's contract last week, but sources said the fact he signed a new deal will not put off Chelsea making a move for the defender."

Chelsea need options at the position after letting Rahman join Bundesliga side Schalke 04 on a season-long loan.

Rahman told German newspaper Ruhr Nachrichten (h/t Rory O'Callaghan of Sky Sports) that Conte wanted a more defensive option.

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Hector fits the bill after turning in some impressive performances for Germany at this summer's UEFA Euro 2016. Frankly, left-back always seems to be a problem position for Chelsea.

Cesar Azpilicueta can play there, but he seems a better fit on the right, where he could dislodge veteran Branislav Ivanovic.

Chelsea's recent forays into the market for help haven't worked out, though. Rahman joins Atletico Madrid's Filipe Luis as left-backs who surprisingly struggled to make the grade at Stamford Bridge. Adding Hector could finally put the issues on that side to rest.

Conte still needs to apply the finishing touches to what's so far been a steady makeover of Chelsea. He should strongly consider signing a player who would balance the defence, as well as keep one who can ensure dynamism in attack.