Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella has revealed that he came close to joining Chelsea in January 2019.
The Italy international, who was at Cagliari at the time, has confirmed that he was in talks with the Blues - with Goal having initially revealed the west London club's interest on January 7.
He ultimately ended up staying with Cagliari before making the switch to Antonio Conte's Inter in the summer on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy.
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He could well have been turning out at Stamford Bridge under Frank Lampard, however, as he confirmed to Gazzetta dello Sport that discussions over a move were taking place.