Ah, Monday Morning. Step up, Antonio Conte.
I figured out (pretty easy though) there are three main reasons why we’re getting too many reports on Conte.
They are:
a) There is a genuine interest from Chelsea (covered by Guardian, The Times)
b) Conte is an Italian. His move is a huge story for the Italian newspapers and transfer-covering-websites.
c) Chelsea transfer story sells – good for SEO and other stuffs.
So, what’s the latest?
Let me chalk it down in bullet forms:
- Chelsea have made several contacts with the Italian. Mainly his agent has been doing all the talks.
- Conte is ready to join the Blues. He has already given his consent.
- He would only join after the season is over. That’s obvious though.
- Most importantly, he will only join once the Euro gets over.
- Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich wants a tete-e-tete with the former Juve boss.
According to reports from the Italian media, the scheduled meeting will likely to take place next week, where final details of the transfer will be discussed. In theory, the deal is very close to being done.
Italian broadcaster Mediaset reports Antonio Conte “will be presented as Chelsea manager at Stamford Bridge on 14 July” #CFC (via @SkyKaveh)
— ChelsTransfer (@ChelsTransfer) March 6, 2016
Sportmediaset, via TMW, (obviously exaggerating a bit) understand that Conte will take charge of Chelsea (official appointment / unveiling?) on July 14th, that is four days after the Euro championship that ends on July 10th.
We’ll see.
In other news, Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi could be on his way out of the club next season.
The Argentine striker has reiterated his desire to stay at the Italian club, but the Nerazzurri would be forced to cash in on him, should they fail to book a place for next season’s Champions League.
Inter would want a fee in the region of €40m for their skipper, per French website Le 10 Sport.
Premier League heavyweights – Manchester United and Chelsea – have been heavily linked with a move for Icardi, who has scored 12 league goals so far.
Inter are currently 5th in the Serie A table, with 51 points, 13 points behind leaders Juventus.
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