Antonio Conte is set to enter positive talks with Chelsea this week about a contract extension and transfer targets. This is great news for the Blues.
The Chelsea manager worked wonders last season, that much has been established. When rumours emerged recently over doubts about Antonio Conte’s future with the club, alarm bells rang.
It would not be the first time that owner Roman Abramovich has not considered success in judging the manager. But in only one season, Conte has established a relationship with the fans and players that could build a legacy. It would have been foolish to even consider letting him leave.
The reasons behind the rumours stemmed from the understanding that Conte was growing tired of the lack of signings Chelsea have made. He was ready to walk if he did not receive the support he required from the board.
Since then, Chelsea’s place in the transfer window rumour factory has been restored, and Conte is to hold productive talks with Chelsea’s board to push the process further.
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Links with Romelu Lukaku are still strong, but the extraordinary price tag for the striker could stall the deal. This may be why Chelsea have turned their attention elsewhere. Recent rumours have emerged that both the Blues and Manchester United have held preliminary talks for Bayern Munich’s star, Robert Lewandowski.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has also now come under the Chelsea spotlight, along with Alex Sandro and Dani Alves. Whether these rumours amount to anything is only part of the story – the proactivity of Chelsea’s agents seems to be expanding, which can only bring good things this summer.
Antonio Conte is at the centre of this. Chelsea need to make sure that he is content with life at the club and has a substantial voice to choose the players he needs.
The man is a workaholic. Every game last season, even during the 13-game unbeaten run, he would not accept that the team had done enough and would always push them for the next fixture. With Champions League football added to the equation again, the resources need to be up to scratch.
There are clear parts of the squad that need work. Wingers are essential to increase the longevity of Conte’s favoured system, as well as a new striker. Manchester City’s Willy Caballero is already set to move to West London to fill the place of Asmir Begovic.
Chelsea have much to do and Conte should be the driving force. The links between the club and potential targets are a sign that this summer could be incredibly productive.
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The last few years have been shaky in terms of managerial turnover. Chelsea is long overdue some stability and Conte is the man to deliver. He has a list of targets and plans for preseason and beyond. The board need to get behind him and allow him the freedom he requires to push the team towards more success.