Chelsea expect to appoint Maurizio Sarri as their new manager and want Juventus playmaker Miralem Pjanic to follow him to Stamford Bridge, according to a report from Italian outlet Corriere Dello Sport. 

What's the story, then?

The report claims that the Blues are ready to battle Barcelona for the midfielder's signature but his long contract means that the transfer fee will be bumped up.

They go on to say that the Catalans are after a midfield pivot but that Cesc Fabregas is part of the past at Stamford Bridge and they are ready to fight for Pjanic to be their new playmaker.

They also claim that the ball is in Juventus' court but they are hoping that Pjanic makes the decision to remain in Turin.

Pjanic would be a Fabregas upgrade

Fabregas is still a brilliant player but it has been clear for quite some time that his lack of defensive discipline means that he cannot be fielded in a midfield duo at Stamford Bridge.

He doesn't necessarily suit a role further forward with the Blues either and Pjanic alongside N'Golo Kante, whose own ability on the ball has improved over recent months, would provide a much greater balance in the engine room.

Battling Barcelona for a player when they are in the Europa League may prove to be a tough ask for Chelsea but if they are willing to fork out the big money, Pjanic could get Sarri's Chelsea revolution off to a flying start.