Chelsea have started the negotiating process to sign Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas. According to reports from The Times, the Blues have lodged a formal bid of £26.8m to secure the services of the midfielder.

Barcelona have already told the player to find a new employer and are keen to recoup £30m for the midfielder, who cost £5m more when he joined from Arsenal three years ago.

Earlier talksport reported that Fabregas had already agreed a deal with Chelsea, but Matt Hughes of The Times says Chelsea are yet to discuss personal terms with Fabregas, but are confident of improving his existing £100,000-a-week wages. His agent Darren Dein is due to fly to Brazil next week for talks about his client’s future. 

Chelsea understand that Barcelona are keen to get the money to fund the purchase of Koke, thereby are confident of securing him for a lower fee. The Londoners have considered making move for Tottenham’s Paulinho and Juventus’ Paul Pogba, but felt Fabregas would be a straight forward deal to complete.

Furthermore, the Blues are desperate to complete the £32m deal for Diego Costa, who has completed the medical, before the start of World Cup. The Blues are still in talks to add two more Atletico players – Felipe Luis and Tiago. 

Another encouraging news for Chelsea. Share to reactions below or can tweet me @saikat_lens