Chelsea are reportedly the frontrunners to sign Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot in the January transfer window.
The 27-year-old faces an uncertain future with the Serie A giants as his contract is due to expire next summer.
Rabiot was strongly linked with a move to Manchester United over the summer, but a transfer to Old Trafford allegedly collapsed due to the Frenchman's wage demands.
The midfielder has since established himself as a first-team regular in a struggling Juve side this season, starting all 12 of his appearances across all competitions, with both of his two goals scored in the 3-1 Champions League win over Maccabi Haifa last month.
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Chelsea were also credited with an interest in Rabiot over the summer under former head coach Thomas Tuchel, but they instead swooped for his teammate Denis Zakaria, who is yet to play for the Blues since joining on a season-long loan deal.
Fichajes reports that Chelsea are still in the race for Rabiot's signature and they have emerged as favourites to sign him in January.
The report adds that Blues head coach Graham Potter has requested for the club to move for Rabiot, and Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri is open to parting ways with the France international.
It remains to be seen whether Chelsea would prefer to negotiate a permanent transfer or a possible loan deal for the second half of the season.
A recent report claims that the West Londoners will consider using out-of-favour playmaker Hakim Ziyech in any deal for Rabiot.
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Ziyech has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and has started only one of his seven appearances in all competitions.
Chelsea are expected to reinforce their midfield within the next two transfer windows, with both N'Golo Kante, 31, and Jorginho, 30, out of contract in June 2023.
Jorginho has recently revealed that he remains 'very happy' at Stamford Bridge and is relaxed about his current contract situation.
"I'm very happy at the moment we're all very focused on what we need to do," the Italian told The 5th Stand. "I'm enjoying life here. I'm enjoying working with everyone and I think everybody says the same thing. It's enjoyable to be at Chelsea."
Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo, Ajax's Edson Alvarez and Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes are three more midfielders who are believed to be on Chelsea's radar.
Oliver Thomas
