helsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has agreed on a three-year deal to join Monaco in the summer but could be allowed to join the club this month.
According to Sky Sports, Chelsea chief Marina Granovskaia is blocking a January move until the club can find a replacement.
Fabregas’ current contract with the Blues expires at the end of the season and several clubs have been vying for his signature. It is believed that Monaco has beaten the likes of Inter Milan, AC Milan and Sevilla to complete the signing.
Monaco boss, Thierry Henry, played a key figure in the recruitment process, convincing the former Barcelona star of his plans in the team. Henry and Fabregas were former teammates at Arsenal and have maintained good relationship over time.
Fabregas has been reduced to cameo appearances this season under new manager Maurizio Sarri. The arrival of Italian midfielder Jorginho has limited Fabregas’ appearances to Cup competitions. The Spaniard was emotional in the 2-0 defeat of Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup last Saturday, which has led fans to believe that he could be joining Monaco this week.
Chelsea are reportedly working on closing deals for Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Leandro Parades and Cagliari ace Nicolo Barella as possible replacements.
Fabregas won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and Carabao Cup during his stint at Stamford Bridge.