Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri wants his board to find a replacement for Cesc Fabregas once the midfielder completes his move to Monaco. The Spaniard is expected to join the Ligue 1 giants next week and will be granted a farewell appearance in Chelsea’s FA Cup clash against Nottingham Forest. Sarri has used Fabregas fleetingly this term but suggested just a fortnight ago that the 31-year-old is the only midfielder at the club that can replace Jorginho.
‘In this position we have only two players, Jorginho and Fabregas, so for me it would be really a problem without Cesc. I want him to stay, [but] I don’t know the final decision of Cesc and the club of course,’ said Sarri.
Fabregas is keen for more regular first team football and couldn’t turn down the chance to work under former Arsenal team-mate Thierry Henry. Chelsea announced a deal for Dortmund winger Christian Pulisic on Wednesday but he will not move to Stamford Bridge until the summer and Sarri wants more additions in January.
According to ESPN, the Italian fears Fabregas’ departure will increase the pressure on Jorginho and could leave him short if the midfielder picks up an injury.
Chelsea’s 0-0 draw against Southampton was met with boos by the home crowd on Wednesday night. Sarri was unhappy with his side’s finishing and has urged his board to invest in a striker in January.
‘On the bench I tried to do my job. I think we played a very good match for 80 metres of the pitch, then we were in trouble in the last 20 metres,’ said Sarri. ‘We have to try to solve the problem of the last 15, 20 metres. The club knows very well my opinion. I think we need something different for characteristics.’