Maurizio Sarri tells Chelsea to offload Danny Drinkwater after Tiemoue Bakayoko exit

Maurizio Sarri has given Chelsea the green light to offload midfielder Danny Drinkwater before the end of the month, reports say.

Chelsea spent £35million to sign Drinkwater from Leicester City last summer but he only played 12 Premier League games during the 2017-18 campaign.

Drinkwater remained at Chelsea player at the close of the summer transfer window despite a number of English clubs expressing interest in his services.

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But he could still join a European club – either on loan or permanently – before the end of August and Sarri has indicated to Chelsea that he is happy for him to leave, according to the Daily Star.

Sarris midfield options include £57m summer signing Jorginho, loan arrival Mateo Kovacic, NGolo Kante, Cesc Fabregas, Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

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As a result of the competition at Stamford Bridge, Drinkwater was left out of Chelseas match-day squad for their opening game of the new season against Huddersfield Town.

Sarri has already allowed Tiemoue Bakyoko to leave, with the French midfielder joining AC Milan on a season-long loan deal.

Bundesliga outfit Schalke are believed to have expressed interest in signing Drinkwater, who won the Premier League with Leicester before joining Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Bakayoko sent a message to Chelseas fans after his move to Milan was finalised.

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He told his followers on Instagram: Wishing my Chelsea family the best this season! #TILWEMEETAGAIN.

In a separate post, he said: AC Milan, thank you for believing in me and for all the support.

Chelsea, who beat Huddersfield 3-0 to kick-start their season, face London rivals Arsenal this weekend.

MORE: Ryan Sessegnon responds to Man United transfer links

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