It's becoming increasingly likely that Cesc Fabregas will leave Chelsea this transfer window.

With only six months remaining on his contract, it has been reported that Fabregas will seek a move away.

But that will go against the wishes of Sarri, who said last week that he hopes Fabregas stays at the club.

“In this position we have only two players, Jorginho and Fabregas, so for me it would be really a problem without Cesc,” said Sarri, per the Independent.

“I want him to stay, I don’t know the final decision of Cesc and the club of course.

“But for me it’s very important and if Cesc will go I think that we need to buy another player, and it’s not easy because, technically, Cesc is a very important player.

“And I think that in the market it’s very difficult to find a player with his characteristics.”

Unfortunately for Sarri, it seems that Fabregas has chosen to leave the club.

It is expected that he will make his last appearance for Chelsea against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

He is widely touted to be joining his former teammate, Thierry Henry, at Monaco.

That will come as a blow to Sarri but he has already come up with a plan to cope with his departure.

Sarri noted that he would have to buy another player if Fabregas decides to leave and it seems that's exactly what he intends to do.

According to the Telegraph, Chelsea have identified Cagliari midfielder Nicolo Barella as a January transfer target.

The 21-year-old has made 87 appearances for the Italian outfit, scoring seven times.

He's also made four appearances for Italy and has represented his country at every age group since U15s.

The stumbling block is that Cagliari will demand £45 million for his services.

Barella, who has been compared to Steven Gerrard in Italy, is also attracting interest from Napoli and Inter Milan.

It seems Sarri will have a number of obstacles if he wants to make Barella a Chelsea player.

But, if he pulls it off, Chelsea would actually be better off.

At just 21 years old, Barella has his best football ahead of him. He is also highly rated in Italy and could prove to be an instant starter.

The article also adds that Chelsea are stepping up their bid for Gonzalo Higuain.

Signing a striker is Chelsea's number one priority, and a deal for Higuain could see Alvaro Morata go in the opposite direction.

Would you be happy with Barella? have your say by leaving a comment below.