Chelsea have made an opening offer to sign Argentinian midfielder Leandro Paredes from Zenit.
According to a report from the London Evening Standard, Chelsea have put an offer in the region of £26.8 million on the table.
Paredes is now emerging as Chelsea’s first-choice target to replace Cesc Fabregas.
The Spaniard left for Monaco last week and the Blues are yet to finalise a deal to sign his replacement.
Both Paredes and Nicolo Barella have been heavily linked with moves to Stamford Bridge.
Talks over deals for both players are believed to have taken place, but it now appears that Paredes is the number one target.
Chelsea were heavily linked with the player when he first left Roma, but he opted for a move to Russia, rather than joining the Blues.
Concerns have been raised about Barella’s willingness to complete a January move to London, with reports claiming the player is keen to remain in Italy at this stage in his career.
