Chelsea are looking at Cagliari midfielder Nicolo Barella as a possible replacement for Cesc Fabregas, according to reports in the English media.

Fabregas looks set to move to Monaco this month with the Spaniard seemingly saying his goodbyes after captaining the Blues in the 2-0 win over Notts Forest on Saturday.

Manager Maurizio Sarri insists that the Blues will have to sign a replacement if the 31-year-old’s move to Ligue One is finalised:

“If Cesc will go, of course we need a replacement. Now, with the midfielders we are in trouble, I think. Without Cesc we have only five, so we are in trouble. We need a replacement.”

Sarri then refused to say whether Barella is a target for the club. The 21-year-old has been on Chelsea’s radar for a while with assistant manager Gianfranco Zola having worked with the player when he was the head coach at Cagliari.

He is said to be valued at £45m (€50m) with Liverpool, Manchester United and number of Italian clubs pursuing the midfielder’s signature.

Italy boss Roberto Mancini gave Barella his senior debut for the national side back in October, having made a good start to the season with Cagliari.