Chelsea about to sign Paredes after being rejected by first target, terms of contract have been accepted | Football | sport

The Blues boss, Maurizio Sarri, wants to spend this month to finish in the top four at the end of the season.

And according to the Daily StarChelsea is expected to win the contract for midfielder Zénith St. Petersburg, Paredes, for 36 million pounds.

They say that Sarri turned to Paredes after being snubbed by Cagliari for his star Nicolo Barella.

Chelsea wanted Barella to replace Cesc Fabregas, who joined Monaco this week.

However, Cagliari held firm and told Chelsea that the 21-year-old was not for sale.

L & # 39; star add that Paredes, 24, has agreed on a four and a half year contract worth about £ 80,000 a week.

Chelsea has submitted bids of 26.8 and 31.2 million pounds for the Argentine international.

However, Zenit is asking for around £ 36 million in the midfield this month.

Kedesh Solhekol, Sky Sports reporter, said Sarri thought the midfielder would be Jorginho's ideal substitute.

"Progress is being made in Chelsea's talks with Zenit St Petersburg on Leandro Paredes," said Solhekol in Sky Sports News.

"Paredes is a defensive midfielder. Maurizio Sarri thinks that it would be ideal as a backup blanket for Jorginho.

"He's a very good, very solid ball pbader who stays on course. He is also good at the set pieces.

"It's the player that wants Maurizio Sarri. I think he is the most likely substitute of Cesc Fabregas.

"Again, what's the problem? It all comes down to money.

"Zenit spent about 25 million pounds on him just 18 months ago and they want more than that – they are asking for about 35 million pounds sterling.

"But if Chelsea and Zenit reach a compromise on money, I think the wages he will earn more in Chelsea, it will not be a problem.

"But if they can find a compromise, how payments will be made, that number will come closer.

"We are told that progress is being made."