Antonio Conte is edging closer to become the next Chelsea manager. The former Juventus manager has agreed the “board-terms” of a three-year-contract at Stamford Bridge, according to reports from The Times.
Conte is expected to earn around £100-per-week during his three-year-contract with the Premier League giants and as per widespread reports, the deal is expected to be finalised within this month.
Chelsea are currently locked in negotiations over the composition of his backroom staff and an indication of the summer transfer budget to be provided, before a deal can be finalised.
The Italian has vowed to prioritise the development of young players from the club’s academy, but he feels the senior squad needs few reinforcement in several areas.
Conte will ask Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich to back him with cash for five new players when he joins the club. The Italy coach has reviewed Chelsea’s 2015/16 season properly over the past few weeks and believes the squad needs at least two centre-backs, a left back, a central midfielder and another striker to make a strong challenge for the top four spot.
Chelsea however feel that the current squad is far better than indicated by the league position at the moment, therefore it could lead to some difficult negotiations between the club and Conte’s representatives.
Conte have already identified Radja Nainggolan, Miralem Pjanic and Edinson Cavani as Chelsea’s potential targets, and he is working on finding top class defender for the club.
Chelsea reportedly have initiated making contact with Roma’s highly rated midfielder, Pjanic, who will be available for a fee in the region of £31m.
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