Tuesday, 12th July, 2011
Chelsea have been linked with a move for Lazio midfielder Cristian Ledesma.
The 28-year-old Argentine operates as a deep-lying midfielder, able to use either foot, and boasts good vision along with a powerful shot.
And according to Gazzetta dello Sport, Ledesma has attracted attention from new Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas, who could launch a swoop for the former Boca Juniors youth teamer this summer.
Ledesma’s contract contains a release clause set at €12M, an amount the English side would have little trouble meeting.
Chelsea are known to be in the market for further midfielders following the crushing blow of losing Michael Essien to injury.
The 28-year-old ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during pre-season training with the Blues and has been forced to go under the knife as a result. Essien will now be out of action for at least six months.
A swoop for Ledesma therefore, at an affordable €12M, makes sense for Villas-Boas and the midfielder will not require a work permit due to his Italian citizenship.
Indeed, having long been overlooked for the Argentine national team, Ledesma accepted an offer to represent Italy last year, making his Azzurri debut against Romania in November.
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