Report: Chelsea target Cagliari's Barella, step up pursuit of Milan's Higuain
Maurizio Sarri's Chelsea revolution could go on to feature two more Serie A players.
Matt Law of The Telegraph reports that Chelsea will attempt to sign Cagliari midfielder Nicolo Barella in a deal that could be worth as much as £45 million.
However, the Blues will apparently face competition for the promising young Italian playmaker from Sarri's former club Napoli as well as Inter.
Although Sarri has stated his desire to sign a midfielder this month to replace the outgoing Cesc Fabregas, it's unclear whether Chelsea will conclude a deal for the 21-year-old before the January transfer window closes or in the summer.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are also increasing their efforts to add a forward to their ranks as Alvaro Morata's struggles continue, and the club would prefer to complete a "complicated" deal to sign Argentine forward Gonzalo Higuain, Law reports.
After initially exploring a bid to take over Higuain's loan from Juventus to AC Milan for the remainder of the season, Chelsea are also said to be open to signing the 31-year-old permanently for £32 million - the price of Milan's purchase option.
Higuain's potential arrival could spell the end of Morata's frustrating tenure at Stamford Bridge. The 26-year-old has only managed to score five league goals in 16 appearances this term to bring his total to 16 since signing from Real Madrid for a club-record £60-million fee in 2017.
The club has also considered signing Bournemouth forward Callum Wilson and Leicester City star Jamie Vardy, Law notes.