It seems Italy boss Antonio Conte is leading the race to replace Guss Hiddink as the next Chelsea manager. Diego Simeone is apparently keen to continue building his legacy with Atletico Madrid, while Massimiliano Allegri has already distanced himself from the running for the Chelsea job.
Conte’s contract with Italy expires after the European Championship in the summer and the Guardian’s David Hytner believes “there is no doubt that he will leave the post and the country.”
Hytner writes that Conte has always dreamt of managing Chelsea, and he is ready to say yes to Abramovich over a possible move in the summer.
Chelsea already have had a discussion with Allgeri’s agent, and more talks are expected to take place on Thursday in London.
Round-up: Chelsea Transfer News
The Londoners are reportedly interested in Lazio’s highly rated midfielder Antonio Candreva. According to Italian newspaper Il Tempo, Candreva would like to play under Conte at Chelsea and he is eager to quit the Stadio Olimpico at the end of this season.
His agent, however, has refuted such claims and commented on the transfer link, quoted by TMW:
“This is not the time to think about certain things because now Antonio has only Lazio in the head. And he is working at his best in this regard.
“Chelsea? No, it’s not true. There is no interest.
Conte targeting two midfielders?
According to reports from Italy, Conte will try to sign Roma’s highly rated Belgian midfielder Radja Nainggolan, should he take charge at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are also reportedly considering making a move for Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal. Chelsea’s technical director, Michel Emenalo, was present at the Juventus Stadium on Tuesday night to watch Juventus vs Bayern Munich in the Champions League, and he was thought to be taking a close look at Vidal.
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