Chelsea 'interested' in signing Serie A midfielder with 'good instinct' and Premier League experience

Chelsea are being linked with a move for a former Premier League defender as they look to strengthen ahead of the end of the January transfer window. Much of the focus has been on offloading players during this window, with Cesare Casadei set to lead the exits, while Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka and others are likely to follow.

The likes of Christopher Nkunku has also been linked with an exit, although it’s unclear whether the Blues will sanction an exit, likely needing to find a replacement. The recall of Trevoh Chalobah means Chelsea have delayed their need for a centre-back until at least the summer unless there are two exits at the position.

Meanwhile, Enzo Maresca does seem to want either a striker or a winger, but there is also a general lookout ongoing for good deals that would allow Chelsea to strengthen. And in that vein, the Blues are said to be interested in a loan deal for Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz. Fabiana Della Valle of La Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that Luiz could depart Juve this winter, although the te Italian club would prefer to sanction a permanent sale.

The Blues are not likely to want Luiz on a permanent deal, meaning a potential stalemate, but Luiz has started just three Serie A games since joining Juventus from Aston Villa last summer, and so the Old Lady may jump at the chance to offload his wages, even if it’s only on a temporary basis.

The 26-year-old could be a good depth option for Chelsea amid short-term injuries for Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia, while a couple of midfielders look set for departure. Luiz has 175 league appearances under his belt for Villa, possessing a wealth of Premier League experience.

While Luiz was still with Villa, his then head coach Unai Emery said of the midfielder while speaking to Sky Sports: “He is a player who has always had a good instinct to get into the box. He is scoring goals because his instinct is very good. He is feeling comfortable getting into the opposition box when we are in the attacking third."

Maresca on transfer plans

Chelsea boss Maresca recently said of the club’s transfer situation: "Kiernan [Dewsbury-Hall] has an injury, so he won't be able to play. Chilwell, for him, he is thinking about to leave so it is better to avoid using him and avoid injuries and these type of things. The plan is to not use Ben tomorrow [versus Morecambe]".

"Cesare [Casadei] will not be in the squad. It's more or less the same situation as Ben [Chilwell]. The plan is to not give him minutes if there is an opportunity for him to go and play."