Chelsea have agreements in principle to sign Cagliari’s Nicolo Barella and Zenit St Petersburg’s Leandro Paredes, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The Blues are looking for a replacement for Monaco bound Cesc Fabregas but they have yet to decide on which player to buy.

Manager Maurizio Sarri confirmed in his pre-match press conference yesterday that he wants the club to purchase two players this month, although it is assumed that he is seeking a striker as well as a midfielder.

Reports in Italy have suggested that the Blues were favouring Paredes ahead of Barella, but so far there hasn’t been any indication that either deal has been signed off.

The Fabregas departure may mean that they have made their decision but with almost 3 weeks left in the window the Blues may choose to see what other offers come their way but if the Pulisic signing was anything to go by then Chelsea will move decisively like rivals Liverpool have with the sale of former Chelsea striker Dominic Solanke and the loan of Nathaniel Clyne both to Bournemouth.

Barella is reportedly valued at £45m by Cagliari while Paredes is likely to cost less than the Italian international. The Argentine moved to Zenit from Roma 18 months ago and Sarri would have seen him play during his time in Italy.