Chelsea have put Cesc Fabregas’s transfer to AS Monaco on hold while they try to buy a replacement.
Standard Sport revealed yesterday that the midfielder’s move to the Ligue 1 club was delayed because the two clubs hadn’t agreed a fee.
Chelsea are thought to be asking for around £10m, even though the midfielder’s contract runs out in the summer.
A resolution looked close because instead of being at training yesterday, the 31-year-old was pictured in France. He was believed to be finalising terms on a three-and-a-half year contract, with a signing bonus in excess of £9m.
Fabregas has returned to London though because the Blues have yet to buy someone else, which opens up the possibility that he will have to wait until the summer to join on a free transfer instead.
Chelsea have identified Cagliari star Nicolo Barrera and Zenit St Petersburg’s Leandro Paredes as possible additions to the squad.
However, it will be difficult to convince either club to sell their prize asset this month, with Cagliari in particular determined to keep Barrera for the rest of the campaign.
Sarri wants Fabregas to stay, but Chelsea refused to offer more than a 12 months contract extension.
The Chelsea coach said: “In my opinion, he needs to go. You know very well the situation. You know very well in this club there is a rule: the renewal of players over 30 is usually one year.
“I don’t want a very important player like Cesc unhappy. If Cesc goes, of course we need a replacement.”