- 10 hours ago
Cesc Fabregas eyes Chelsea fan favourite after Serie A promotion
Newly promoted Serie A side Como are keen on Alfie Gilchrist, according to a report.
The Italian side earned promotion back to the top flight for the first time in 21 years last season after finishing runners-up under the guidance of caretaker manager Osian Roberts and his assistant Cesc Fabregas.
Partially owned by Fabregas and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, the newly-minted Serie A outfit are looking to be competitive in the top flight next term and as such will need to strengthen their team.
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Though they already boast a few interesting players such as former AC Milan and Wolves striker - and hometown hero - Patrick Cutrone and former Napoli attacker Simone Verdi, some more big names will need to be brought in if Como are to survive.
Due to their illustrious ownership and well-known assistant, links to high-profile players have been a frequent occurrence in recent times, with Mats Hummels probably the biggest name to be associated with Como over the past few days.
Fabregas to raid Chelsea?
Now, The Athletic has confirmed that Fabregas could look to raid his former club Chelsea this summer. Homegrown star Alfie Gilchrist is expected to be loaned out in this window and Como are among the sides vying for his signature.
Prior to doing punditry for Euro 2024, Fabregas visited Chelsea's training ground, though it is not fully clear whether he used it as an opportunity to court some of the Blues' players.
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Either way, Como will feel confident of having a chance to secure Gilchrist's signature given the link with Fabregas and the fact that, although he is only an assistant, the Spaniard is a well-regarded coach, which can only benefit the Chelsea youngster.
Additionally, Gilchrist could also be on his way to the Championship with Preston North End showing an interest in him. The 20-year-old defender penned a new Chelsea contract in April and currently has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €3.3 million.