Antonio Conte rubbished all speculations surrounding the futures of Cesc Fàbregas and Oscar yesterday by confirming that both players are a key part of his plans at Chelsea.
Fabregas and Oscar have been in and out of the Chelsea first team this season, and have been linked with other clubs as a result. The Spaniard was being linked with AC Milan a few weeks ago, and Oscar is apparently a target for Inter Milan.
Conte has confirmed that both players will remain at Chelsea after the January transfer window, and still have a role to play at the club.
He said:
Oscar’s future is Chelsea. Chelsea, full stop. For me, Oscar is an important player in the squad. He’s in good form. It’s logical I have to take the starting XI every week, but Oscar is a great player. For me, he stays at Chelsea. It’s important that this message arrives for all. But Oscar will stay with us because I consider him an important player for Chelsea. Fabregas? Yes. Now he is in good shape. He’s available for Sunday, for sure. The same speech as for Oscar. I anticipated this question.
His statement is not surprising at all. Chelsea are lacking depth in the midfield, and even if he doesn’t want those players, he is unlikely to let them leave before the end of the season. Furthermore, both players are very creative in their style of play, and will offer him a plan B in certain games.
Chelsea are firmly in the title race this season, and Conte will need all the help he can get from his playing staff. It would be foolish to expect him to weaken the squad in January without signing some quality players first.
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