According to reports in Spain, Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is sending a clear message that Cesc Fabregas is ‘on the list of transferable players’.
It comes after the Spaniard was left out of the starting line-up again for the clash with Burnley at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with Conte seemingly preferring other options in midfield instead.
According to El Confidencial, with Chelsea strolling to a 3-0 win over Burnley with Fabregas once again left on the bench, it’s becoming clear that the former Arsenal and Barcelona star isn’t favoured by Conte.
Despite showing his class with a key assist in the win at Watford last weekend, his continued spell on the bench, with Conte making three changes on Saturday but leaving Fabregas out, it’s been interpreted by some in the media as a message that he’s up for sale.
However, El Confidencial don’t go on to add any depth to the story in terms of why Conte isn’t keen on him and if the Italian tactician is indeed open to selling him ahead of the transfer deadline this week.
As a result, it’s difficult to look into the report too much as although the 29-year-old is evidently out of favour right now, there’s no concrete suggestion that he’ll be pushed out of the exit door this week.
In contrast, after making over 30 Premier League appearances in each of the last two seasons, he’ll be under pressure and scrutiny to win back his place in the Chelsea line-up in the weeks ahead or his future at Stamford Bridge will continue to be a topic for debate.