Transfer News

Report: Chelsea could sign £58m target on a free as his club looks to cut their budget

Add as preferred source on Google

Chelsea could snap up Miralem Pjanic for no transfer fee as Barcelona are aiming to release the midfielder from their roster.

According to Goal, Barca are looking to cut ties with Pjanic and Samuel Umtiti, in order to lower their wage bill and squad size.

The Spanish giants have already signed Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay, and Eric Garcia on a free, alongside buying Emerson Royal from Real Betis.

FC Barcelona Sign Sergio Aguero
Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Pjanic has struggled to settle into Ronald Koeman’s side since arriving at the Camp Nou last summer.

He joined from Juventus in a deal worth £58m (Goal), with a release cause of £366m.

Despite his mega-money move, the 31-year-old started just six of his 19 La Liga appearances during his debut season,

Wearing the infamous no.8 shirt previously owned by Andreas Iniesta comes with its expectations as well.

SD Eibar v FC Barcelona - La Liga Santander
Photo by Cristian Trujillo/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Barcelona are planning on sitting down with Pjanic and persuading him to take a compensation package, instead of paying off his full salary following his potential departure.

Chelsea might want to take notice of this situation, considering they have previously been linked with the Bosnian, as per the Sun.

Snapping up the experienced international on a free would not be a bad bit of business, especially if his bills are paid for.

FC Barcelona v Elche CF - La Liga Santander
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

With Billy Gilmour now on-loan at Norwich City, a space in Thomas Tuchel’s midriff is available.

Pjanic still has credit in the bank from his days with Juve and Roma, not to mention his cleaer talents that haven’t dispersed overnight.

Keep up to date with all the latest Chelsea news and opinion by following The Chelsea Chronicle’s Twitter account here.