Chelsea assistant coach Gianfranco Zola is driving their deal for Cagliari attacker Nicolo Barella.

Il Mattino says Zola has called Barella multiple times to convince the midfielder to complete a £55million switch to Chelsea.

Maurizio Sarri's No 2 is constantly in touch with the Cagliari ace as the Blues look to replace Monaco-bound Cesc Fabregas.

Zola played for and managed Cagliari, making him a cult hero at the club.

And Sarri is hoping the connection will help his side land Barella, 21, who is already a regular in the Italian national side.

However, a deal is far from done – even though Chelsea are apparently willing to pay as much as £55m for Barella's signature.

Napoli have also expressed a strong interest in securing his signature.