Rumors are out that English Premier League side Chelsea FC is intending to sell midfielder Cesc Fabregas in January when the football transfer window reopens.
The 29-year-old Spain international had only been featured once in four English top flight games by new head coach Antonio Conte this term as the former Italy national team boss prefers the midfield lineup of Willian, Oscar, Nemanja Matic, and Eden Hazard.
Metro reported that with Fabregas "not appearing to fit in" to Conte's plans at the Stamford Bridge, "the Blues are willing to let him leave", which could happen as early as the opening of this season's winter transfer window in January.
The report then continued that a transfer to a rival English first division club is highly unlikely and so "a move to Italy could be on the cards".
One of the teams particularly linked to the 5-foot-9 Arenys de Mar, Spain native is Italian Serie A club AC Milan, who is currently in the process of an ownership takeover from Chinese investors.
Recent rumors have also emerged that Italian champions Juventus FC could also pursue Fabregas the moment he becomes available in January.
Fabregas was acquired by the Pensioners in the summer of 2014 from La Liga giants FC Barcelona for a fee of around €33 million. He declared his unhappiness at the Nou Camp was the main reason for his move as he turned down an offer from Barça's president to stay with the Spanish powerhouse.
He had a fine start with then Chelsea head coach Jose Mourinho on the way to the Premier League title, appearing in 34 games and scoring three goals in his first season with the Blues. He was again effective the next season, playing in 37 games and netting five times, but Chelsea struggled as a team in defending their title, leading to the sacking of Mourinho.
However, this year, it seems like Fabregas in not included in the plans of Conte and so an exit is projected at the soonest opportunity.
The Daily Star noted that Fabregas has only played a total of "12 minutes of league football since Conte's arrival", which is a clear indication that his time is running out at the Stamford Bridge.
