Chelsea are reportedly set to rival Italian heavyweights AC Milan in the pursuit of Spanish international Denis Suarez in January.
As per a report from the Daily Express, Premier League giants Chelsea are plotting a swoop for Barcelona midfielder Denis Suarez in the winter transfer window.
The 24-year-old Suarez is in his second stint with the La Liga champions, having first spent a couple of years with the Catalans’ B team between 2013 and 2015, following which he had joined Villarreal. Having returned to Camp Nou in the summer of 2016, the Spaniard has failed to nail down a spot in Ernesto Valverde’s side.
So far in the 2018-19 season, Suarez has taken the field on just three occasions in all competitions for Barcelona. And while he did grab a brace in their midweek win over Cultural Leonesa in the Copa del Rey, the midfielder is regarded as surplus to requirements at the club and will be allowed to leave, should a suitable offer come in.
And Chelsea are hoping to capitalise on this situation, by making an attempt to land the former Manchester City man once the January transfer window is open for business.
The Blues’ manager Maurizio Sarri is keen on adding more quality to his options in the middle of the park. Moreover, Suarez’s ability to play in multiple positions in the midfield and attack is something that could be a major factor in Chelsea’s interest in his services, with Pedro and Willian entering their thirties.
However, Chelsea’s pursuit of the one-time capped Spanish international is unlikely to be straightforward, as Serie A heavyweights AC Milan are also keeping an eye on the Barcelona midfielder.
The Rossoneri have been monitoring the 24-year-old for some time now and manager Gennaro Gattuso is intent to bring him to San Siro, as he looks to guide his team back to the Champions League.
Milan initially want to sign Suarez on loan, before making the move a permanent one at the end of the season. However, Barcelona are reluctant to enter such an agreement and prefer a cash deal in January, which might give Chelsea a distinct advantage in the race for the £45 million-rated midfielder.
Suarez still has a year and a half left on his contract with Barcelona, with the club having the option of extending it by a further twelve months. However, given the lack of opportunities coming his way at Camp Nou, the 24-year-old’s departure in January seems like a distinct possibility. It remains to be seen if Chelsea are able to snap him up, though.
