Rumour Reel: Fabregas to AC Milan, Reds to rival for Witsel while Arsenal eye Rodriguez
Published:
Robbie Purves | September 13, 2016
Coral’s Rumour Reel
Chelsea’s World Cup winner has found himself out of favour at Stamford Bridge and could be ready to make a switch to Italy, with Cesc Fabregas to AC Milan linked in today’s back pages.
Many thought that the Spaniard would have departed this summer, but reportedly a deal with both Milan giants couldn’t be struck in time.
Fabregas to AC Milan
Antonio Conte has not been impressed by Fabregas’ immobility and wants him out of the first team picture as soon as possible.
Chelsea have the makings of a truly ferocious midfield unit, anchored by the industrious N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic, with no place for Fabregas.
Negotiations have reportedly already begun, seeing Milan pay an initial loan fee of €3m in January, with an obligation to buy at the end of the spell.
Milan look certain to be the player’s next move, and the Blues have already agreed verbally that he will be allowed to leave – according to reports.
This could be the first in a number of high profile arrivals to the San Siro, after Silvio Berlusconi agreed to sell his 99.93 per cent stake in the club to a Chinese consortium with deep pockets.
Reds rival Juve for Witsel
Despite Axel Witsel’s move to Juventus falling through this summer, the Old Lady are expected to return to Zenit St Petersburg with an improved offer, but could have competition.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are reportedly set to rival the Italian Champions and Merseyside rivals Everton for the box-to-box Belgium midfielder.
Witsel’s contract expires at the end of the season and can talk to clubs from this January, potentially signing a pre-contract or being sold if Zenit decide to cash in.
The Russian league winner would likely take Jordan Henderson’s place, after having a poor start to the new campaign.
Further afield, the Anfield outfit have been linked with River Plate star Lucas Alario, according to reports coming out of Spain.
Arsenal eye Rodriguez
Reports suggest Arsene Wenger could be ready to rival the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea for the services of James Rodriguez.
The Colombian has found himself out of favour at Real Madrid under Zinedine Zidane, recording just 34 minutes of La Liga action this season. However, with a transfer ban looming over the Spanish capital side, Los Blancos may be reluctant to sell.
However, the the emergence of Marco Asensio and Isco impressing when he takes to the field, Madrid have ample cover if they decide the let the playmaker go.
Real paid around £63m for Rodriguez after an excellent 2014 World Cup and will hope to recoup a large amount of this, especially as Premier League sides now seem to pay a premium.
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Chelsea fans, tell us what you think of Fabregas to AC Milan in the comments below.
