Chelsea transfer target Nicolo Barella reportedly intends to turn down a move to Stamford Bridge this month.
The Italian midfielder, who currently plies his trade at Cagliari, has been courted by the Blues as a potential replacement for the departing Cesc Fabregas.
Maurizio Sarri’s men are said to have presented a bid of around £45m for Barella, however it is claimed by Tutto Mercato the 21-year-old will stay put for now.
It’s understood he will cite ‘family reasons’ as his justification for delaying a transfer and instead plans to reassess his options in the summer.
Reports suggest Barella would rather remain in Italy and is holding out for interest from a side such as Napoli, Inter, Roma or even Juventus.
After coming through the Cagliari youth system, Barella made his first team debut in 2015 at the age of 18.
He had a brief loan spell at Serie B side Como in 2016 and then returned to cement his place in the first team.
His performances have attracted praise from Italian legends Andrea Pirlo and Alessandro del Piero.
“He is one of the best players in Italy,” Pirlo has been quoted as saying.
“I really enjoyed [watching] him against Milan. He only needs to find the right place in the field.”
