Antonio Conte has asked Chelsea officials to hold off contract negotiations until the Premier League is officially in the hands of the Blues.
If anyone thought Chelsea may succumb to complacency on the home stretch, think again. Antonio Conte has told his superiors to hold off contract negotiations as he doesn’t want any distractions. Whether it be for him or Eden Hazard, the boss wants to mathematically secure the Premier League first.
According to The Times, the board has accepted his request.
"Antonio Conte has asked Chelsea to postpone all contract talks with himself and his players until the end of the season to allow his squad to focus on winning the Premier League…Chelsea have acceded to Conte’s request and will not conduct any contract negotiations until the end of the season or until they have won the Premier League."
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Chelsea have a commanding ten point lead at the top of the table and their rivals need something spectacular to leapfrog them. However, anything is possible in football and the Blues must not allow silly mistakes to make life difficult.
Conte and Hazard are reportedly the club’s contract priorities, but there are a number of other players who are at risk.
Having masterfully steered Chelsea through potentially volatile seas, the board are eager to tie down Conte down to a longer and more lucrative deal. Hazard, meanwhile, continues to be linked with a Real Madrid switch.
The Belgian’s performances this season have reminded onlookers of his quality and the Spanish giants are once again interested in splashing the cash. The Blues will need to be firm, and perhaps excessive, in order to keep their star man.
Real Madrid are also reportedly looking to sign Thibaut Courtois. The goalkeeper has openly toyed with the idea of moving and Madrid are looking to capitalise on that.
However, Courtois is more expendable than Hazard and Conte so expect the Blues to be open to negotiations should Madrid offer enough money.
Away from the speculation, Conte’s request will comfort the fans. After the disastrous 2015/16 campaign, Blues fans are well aware of how matters can take a sharp turn for the worse. While the club are coasting at the moment, the title is not won yet.
When do you think Chelsea will be crowned champions? Who should be a contract priority once that happens? Let us know!