Chelsea to challenge Inter Milan for signature of experienced midfielder

It is hard to think of any other manager who has had a larger instant impact than Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea. 

A place in the finals of both the Champions League and the FA Cup would have been beyond the wildest dreams of Blues supporters when the German took over with the club ninth in the Premier League.

The Blues are now in fourth position and could finish the season with both the FA Cup and the Champions League in their trophy cabinets, just like Roberto Di Matteo did with the West Londoners when he took over from Andre Villas-Boas in the 2011/12 season.

This is very different to that magical season of nine years ago, as the Blues have convincingly swept aside Atletico Madrid, Porto and Real Madrid, conceding just one goal in six knockout legs.

Their progression to the final at Zinedine Zidane’s expense could, and should have, been a lot more comfortable than their 3-1 aggregate victory – in fact, the Blues’ score over two legs might have been double figures with better finishing.

However, according to Spanish site SPORT, Chelsea are set to battle Inter Milan to earn the signature of Barcelona midfielder Miralem Pjanic.

Pjanic has not had a memorable spell at Barcelona.

The classy Bosnian and Herzegovina midfielder joined the Catalans from Juventus in a surprise transfer which saw Ronald Koeman’s side exchange promising Brazilian midfielder Arthur last summer.

Pjanic has only made 17 appearances for Barcelona this season and is yet to contribute an assist or a goal since arriving at the Camp Nou.

He is a classy and intelligent midfielder, however it is believed Koeman prefers Sergio Busquets and Frenkie De Jong to operate as the club’s primary midfielders.

Barcelona are also keen to raise funds as the club battle crippling debts of up to a reported  €1 billion.