Chelsea youngster to replace veteran Lazio midfielder in €8m deal — report

Despite a sudden midfielder-shortage at Chelsea, assuming that Nemanja Matic is on his way out, young Mario Pasalic is probably leaving as well, and probably on a permanent basis.

Since the his dream move to AC Milan collapsed on account of Milan coming into some serious money and basically buying a brand new team, Pašalić has been linked with various teams, mostly in Germany and Italy, and it’s the latter destination that appears to be winning once again. According to Sky Italia (via CalcioMercato), Lazio are looking to work out an €8m transfer with Chelsea for the 22-year-old’s signature.

Lazio have been tracking Pašalić since before his transfer to Chelsea three years ago and now want him as the replacement for the veteran club captain Lucas Biglia, who’s about to join Milan as well.

Chelsea signed Pašalić for just £3m in 2014, and have so far sent him on season-long loans to Elche, Monaco, and AC Milan. Despite decent showings with all three, Pašalić looks no closer to a Chelsea spot than he did back then, so chances are we will indeed collect our small profit and move on.