Cesc Fabregas isn’t even out the door yet, but Chelsea are already eyeing up a replacement for the out-of-favour Spaniard.
The former Arsenal and Barcelona star is expected to leave Stamford Bridge in the New Year, with Serie A looking like the most appealing league for him to join.
The Blues’ ranks shouldn’t be depleted for too long, either, with Antonio Conte keen to bring in Bayern Munich’s Arturo Vidal, reports Spanish publication Don Balon.
Conte knows the Chilean well having spent three years with him at Juventus, and he sees the 29-year-old as a player still at the top of his game, unlike Fabregas.
Carlo Ancelotti will no doubt be keen to hold onto the midfielder, who is vital to Munich’s hopes of winning the title, but the club could decide otherwise if they are tempted by Chelsea’s offer of £42million.
The Bavarians know they can’t be complacent this season, as they are not having the usual run of the league that they enjoy. Despite spending big again in the summer, including the audacious signing of Mats Hummels from Borussia Dortmund, they are being outdone by new-money sensations RB Leipzig.
The two sides will continue their fascinating battle for the Bundesliga tonight when they meet at the Allianz Arena, and depending on how Bayern stand in the title race after that game, Vidal may want to jump ship and join Conte’s favourites to lift the Premier League.
Bayern are currently only top on goal difference. Bayern could cope without Vidal if necessary, with Renato Sanches and Joshua Kimmich performing well whenever they have come into the side.
Check out Football Advisor for profitable betting predictions
