Chelsea transfer target Nicolo Barella will turn down move to Blues giving Sarri midfield headache

The Blues boss is desperate to bolster his squad after Cesc Fabregas agreed a deal to join French club Monaco.

It is reported that Chelsea made a whopping £45million bid for the Cagliari midfielder.

But according to Tutto Mercato, the 21-year-old – who has won four caps for his country – will remain with the Serie A side until the end of the season.

The source reports that he will stay in Italy because of "family reasons".

And it suggests that he will hold out for an offer from an Italian club at the end of the season – with Inter Milan, Napoli and Roma mentioned.

Gianfranco Zola has reportedly called him "multiple times" in a desperate bid to lure him to London.

The Chelsea chief played for and managed Cagliari and he had hoped this would work in Chelsea's favour.

Barella had also attracted interest from Arsenal, but the Gunners are not expected to pursue him after it was revealed the club have no money for transfers.

He has attracted interest from Europe's biggest clubs following his impressive spell under the management of Rolando Maran.

Serie A veteran Andrea Pirlo even claimed that the central midfielder was one of the best players in the country.

He said: "He is one of the best midfielders in Italy. I really enjoyed [watching] him against Milan.

"He only needs to find the right place in the field."

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