Chelsea, AC Milan in talks over potential loan deal for midfielder: report

Chelsea try to convince Milan to let go of one of their prized players, a parallel deal is also in the making. According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio and other sources from the country, Chelsea are currently holding negotiations with the Rossoneri over a loan deal for Mario Pasalic (remember him?), which could include a possible “right of redemption” clause.

A potential deal for Pasalic would supposedly not be part of any Romagnoli transfer, but developing a good business relationship with one deal could lay the the groundwork for the next one still.

The 21-year-old Pasalic completed his transfer to Chelsea from Hajduk Split in July 2014, and joined Spanish club Elche in his first loan spell just two weeks after his arrival. During his time at La Liga, he helped Elche make a late run in the league to salvage themselves from relegation, but the club were sent down anyway due to financial problems. The midfielder then went on loan to Ligue 1 side Monaco last summer, but had to return to the Bridge prematurely due to a back injury suffered in February.

Although Pasalic has had good showings in his both of his loan spells, his chances of earning a spot in Chelsea’s first-team are very slim at the moment. It would make a lot of sense to send him to Milan, who are in need of good central midfielders and are short on money until their takeover deal with Chinese investors can be concluded — especially if it greases the wheels of a potential Alessio Romagnoli transfer deal.