Chelsea are reportedly set to challenge Arsenal and Tottenham for a Serie A midfielder, who Lionel Messi has praised in the past.
The Blues head into the international break in a decent position in the Premier League. They are currently third in the table, and six points off league leaders Arsenal. Enzo Maresca’s side won 3-0 against Wolves over the weekend in what was one of their most emphatic performances all season.
Chelsea will now hope they can continue their momentum after the break, but will be using the two weeks to think about how they can improve heading into the second half of the season. Part of that will be Maresca‘s plan in the January transfer window, as he will want to add more quality.
Cole Palmer has been injured for several months of the season now and remains likely out of action until early December with a groin issue. In order to protect him, Chelsea may decide to sign a new attacking midfielder, and they are reportedly considering a very popular Serie A star.
Chelsea to battle Arsenal and Spurs for Nico Paz
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Como midfielder Nico Paz has attracted a lot of attention from some top clubs so far this season, with reports saying that both Arsenal and Tottenham are interested in the 21-year-old, who plays under Cesc Fabregas at the Serie A side.
However, according to Caught Offside, Chelsea have enquired about potentially signing the 21-year-old Argentinian midfielder in the January transfer window, as they look to cover Palmer to avoid a future injury.
Paz has been impressive in the Serie A so far this season, scoring four goals, and providing four assists in 11 games under Fabregas. He plays as an attacking midfielder, and likes to roam free in midfield, which is very similar to Palmer, so in that sense, he would be the ideal replacement.
Messi is a huge fan of Paz
The midfielder has received a lot of praise in his young career, but perhaps the best he has been given was by Lionel Messi, who has seen Paz’s skill for the Argentina national team.
Messi was quoted by SportsKeeda last year, saying: “Nico Paz has a lot of quality, and I hope he continues to grow. He wasn’t born when I made my debut … He has a great head, he understands the game perfectly.
“He has an incredible mindset, and he’s with Cesc Fabregas as coach who is my friend and will help him grow a lot.”
Click here to see another of Chelsea’s latest transfer stories ahead of the January window.