Chelsea have joined Italian giants AC Milan in the pursuit of Fiorentina midfielder Milan Badelj, according to Goal.com.
Blues boss Antonio Conte was reportedly present when Badelj’s Fiorentina side lost 2-1 to Torino at the start of the month, a match 27-year-old Badelj played 68 minutes in.
Despite interest from the Premier League side, Goal believe that Italian giants Milan will get a deal done for the Croation international based on their need to replace Ricardo Montolivo, who suffered a serious injury while away on international duty with Italy.
His six-month spell on the sidelines is likely to force Milan into a bid for Badelj in January, which might be difficult for Chelsea to match unless they free up some room in their midfield department.
However, Conte may look to offer Cesc Fabregas to Juventus as a way of persuading the Serie A champions to part with centre-back Leonardo Bonucci, which would open the door for a move for Badelj.
With Conte looking to implement a 3-5-2 system at Stamford Bridge, he will need many options in midfield, so bringing in Badelj, should Milan’s interest subside, could prove to be a shrewd bit of business by the Chelsea boss.
Badelj, capped 25 times by Croatia, has appeared six times for Fiorentina in the league this season, and netted the crucial goal in their 1-0 win over Roma last month.
A midfield of Kante and Badelj could be unstoppable.
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