Johannesburg [South Africa]: Downplaying speculations surrounding Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas’ potential move to AC Milan, manager Vincenzo Montella has said that the Spanish international doesn’t have the right `characteristics` needed to replace injured captain Riccardo Montolivo.
The 29-year has been linked with a January move to Milan after there were reports that Chelsea turned down a formal offer for Fabregas’ services.
However, Montella has made it clear that they are only looking for a direct replacement of Montolivo, who is out for six months with a knee ligament injury.
“We’re looking for a player who has the characteristics that Montolivo has, who can also operate in a defensive-midfield two. Fabregas? He doesn’t have those characteristics,” Montella was quoted as saying by Sport24.
The former Barcelona player is yet to force his way into Chelsea’s first-team this season after making just one Premier League appearance in the heavy defeat to former club Arsenal.(ANI)