Chelsea have deals in place to sign Leandro Paredes from Zenit and Cagliari midfielder Nicolo Barella.
Maurizio Sarri has told the board to strengthen his squad with two new signings this month and wants the club to replace Cesc Fabregas, who has joined Monaco.
The Blues are still deciding their transfer strategy despite letting Cesc Fabregas leave for Ligue 1 side. According to the Daily Telegraph, Chelsea have now agreed deals in principle for both midfielders but have not yet determined which player will replace the Spaniard. The report adds that Chelsea are still considering whether a new midfielder is even required this month.
Cagliari are demanding a €50 million (£45m) transfer fee for Nicolo Barella, while Zenit value Paredes at €35m (£31.5m).
Maurizio Sarri has distanced himself from the transfers by admitting that he only gives his opinion to the club’s hierarchy about potential deals. It’s believed that the Italian wants to sign Gonzalo Higuain, but the Premier League giants are reluctant to spend around €40m (£36m) on a player who turned 31 in December.
‘I am not involved in the market,’ Sarri said on Friday. ‘I spoke to the club. They know very well my opinion. In my opinion, we need two players, and then it depends on the club’s decision.
‘I don’t know anything about the market day by day, minute by minute.’