Chelsea transfer news: Who is Matias Vecino? What you need to know about the Inter Milan midfielder

Standard Sport30 July 2018

Chelsea are have entered negotiations to sign defensive midfielder Matias Vecino from Inter Milan ahead of the transfer deadline.

The Blues held discussions with Inter over the weekend for £31 million-rated midfielder Vecino, who excelled at the World Cup with Uruguay.

Maurizio Sarri has openly admitted he wants to bolster his options in midfield and sees the 26-year-old, who played under the Italian coach at Empoli in 2014-15, as the perfect fit.

Position

Vecino has been added to Chelsea's summer wishlist
Getty Images

Vecino has been a regular presence in central midfield for Inter Milan under Luciano Spalletti and made 29 appearances in the Serie A last season, scoring three goals.

As a holding midfielder, the Uruguayan is hardly a prolific goalscorer but provides balance in the centre of the pitch. He would link up well with N'Golo Kante and Jorginho, the £57 million signing from Napoli, in a midfield three.

Is a deal likely?

Sarri is keen on making some signings before the window closes on August 9 and the Italian coach seems to trust players he has worked with like Vecino.

While the reported fee of £31 million is unlikely to be an obstacle, Chelsea are well-stocked in midfield and would need to move on some players before bringing in the former Fiorentina man.

Who else will Chelsea sign and sell?

Deals for Juventus duo Daniele Rugani and Gonzalo Higuain are proving difficult to get over the line while Chelsea are looking to sign a replacement for Thibaut Courtois, with Kasper Schmeichel, Jack Butland and Gianluigi Donnarumma all being considered.

Juve pair: Chelsea are struggling to tie up deals for Higuain and Rugani
Getty Images

In terms outgoings, a move for Vecino could see Danny Drinkwater and Tiemoue Bakayoko depart. There has been interest from Southampton and Crystal Palace for Drinkwater, while Bakayoko is wanted by Sevilla and both Milan clubs.

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