Chelsea have reportedly identified Celta Vigo midfielder Stanislav Lobotka as an alternative signing to Zenit St Petersburg star Leandro Paredes.
It is reported by Italian news outlet Calciomercato that the Blues have made the Argentine their primary midfield target this month, but other options are being considered.
Maurizio Sarri’s side have been heavily linked with a move to sign Paredes in the January transfer window as the manager bids to strengthen the options at his disposal in the middle of the park.
However, should Chelsea fail to tie up a deal for the former Roma man, it is claimed that they have lined up a move for Lobotka as a contingency plan.
It was reported this week that the Blues had agreed personal terms with Paredes as they continued to make progress with their intentions of bringing the midfielder to Stamford Bridge.
Nevertheless, a backup plan is believed to have been selected and the Celta Vigo star has emerged as a target.
Lobotka has, according to Calciomercato’s report, also been targeted by Leicester City and Bournemouth, with interest from the Premier League building.
