Sarri names one position Chelsea must strengthen before deadline

Maurizio Sarri accepts Chelsea have work to do before the transfer window closes on Thursday, having named the one area of the side he must prioritise on strengthening.

The new Chelsea manager has so far managed to sign £52million Jorginho – who arrived a day before his former Napoli manager – and Rob Green, in what has been a summer of frustration so far for the club.

Keeping the likes of Thibaut Courtois – who has asked to return to Madrid for family reasons – Eden Hazard, Willian and N’Golo Kante might prove just as pivotal for the Blues, but Sarri is intent on adding to his squad before the window shuts.

“I talk with the club about the market but only one or maybe two times, not more. I spoke about positions and characteristics but no names,” Sarri said. “So, I don’t know. I think we need something, but maybe only a player.

“We have very good midfielders, but maybe a midfielder with different characteristics [would be a good fit].”

The news could spell bad news for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has admitted his future is up in the air this summer.

It was reported on Friday that the England star could look to move abroad later in August if he doesn’t feature in Sarri’s early team selections – though the issue may be forced upon him should the new Blues boss get his wish and bring in another midfielder.

One man who has been linked with Chelsea is free agent Brazilian winger Bernard.

 

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