Chelsea have reportedly identified Nicolo Barella and Leandro Paredes as potential replacements for the outgoing Cesc Fabregas.

The Spanish playmaker has been heavily linked with a January switch to Monaco, but Chelsea are keen to bring in another midfielder before the 31-year-old exits Stamford Bridge.

According to Corriere dello Sport, the Blues have decided that they want to sign either Cagliari Calcio's Barella or Zenit St Petersburg's Paredes before the end of the week.

Barella is considered to be one of the best emerging midfielders in Europe, with the 21-year-old having already made 88 senior outings for his club and won four caps for Italy.

Argentine Paredes is currently a regular at Zenit, but the 25-year-old has previously worked with Maurizio Sarri during a loan period at Empoli in 2015-16.