Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri says he will not stand in Danny Drinkwater’s way if an offer comes in for the 28-year-old in January.
The £35m signing has only played once since the Italian’s arrival at the club, in the Community Shield against Manchester City back in August.
When asked about Drinkwater, Sarri said the England international just doesn’t fit into his style of play:
“I think for him the problem is only my football. He’s a very good midfielder but he is suitable for a midfield two because with a three he is not really a central midfielder or suitable for centre right or centre left.”
The Blues boss was then asked about his future at the club, with the Italian simply stating it will be up to Drinkwater to decide what to do, indicating he is free to leave:
“I don’t know. It depends on the club, it’s up to him.”
After arriving from Leicester in 2017, the midfielder initially struggled with injury problems, including a thigh strain and a calf injury. The former Manchester United player made 22 appearances in his first season under Antonio Conte but made just 12 starts, with his campaign ending prematurely due to another calf strain.
Drinkwater has been linked with West Ham while a move to be reunited with ex Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri at Fulham has also been suggested.