Blow for Chelsea as Liverpool enter race to sign 21-year-old target

Chelsea will face competition from Liverpool in the race to sign Nicolo Barella from Cagliari, according to Transfer Market Web (h/t Express).

The 21-year-old midfielder is one of the hottest properties in Italian football. The report claims that Liverpool are looking to bolster their side in the January window.

The Reds are in a great position as they lead the Premier League and have been linked with a move for Nabil Fekir too, as per the report.

Chelsea view the 21-year-old Barella as the perfect replacement for the outgoing Cesc Fabregas. The Spaniard is being linked with a move to Monaco (h/t Express) and a reunion with former Arsenal teammate Thierry Henry.

There is also interest from several Italian clubs with AC Milan, Inter Milan, Napoli and Roma all keeping tabs on the 21-year-old (h/t Express).

The report adds that the Italian would expect to start regularly should he switch teams as he already has 18 Serie A starts to his name this season.

Barella can play either in a deep role or as an attacking midfielder and could be a decent fit in our side. Maurizio Sarri has played N’Golo Kante and Jorginho together in most games but the Italian has looked a little tired in the midfield.

Read more: Chelsea set to battle Tottenham for £36m-rated Serie A midfielder

Barella is a rising star in Italy and his next step will be important. Sarri should have the edge over Liverpool with his knowledge of Italian football, and hopefully, we will beat all the other clubs to sign the Cagliari youngster.