Chelsea’s sudden change of formation and tactics have seen a couple of players fallen out of favour. Having said that, an abundance of rumours are circulating around Stamford Bridge. Benchwarmers might be shown the exit door and to further fortify Conte’s influence on the pitch, new additions can be expected in the upcoming transfer window.
Oscar is one of a few individuals who see no future in the new manager’s blueprint. A stoop in form, Chelsea’s fluid attacking display and the usage of wingbacks have nullified the need for the Brazilian midfielder. In the last 5 matches that Chelsea have successfully collected maximum points, the 25-year old has only played a total of 30 minutes and failed to make an impact. Inter Milan are keen to snap him and the Blues are willing to offload the midfielder for £20m (via telegraph), the similar fee they paid Internacional to sign Oscar in 2012.
Another midfielder who has failed to have a fair crack of the whip under Conte is Cesc Fabregas, one of the highest earners in the club. The Spaniard has only contributed one assist so far and has not featured in the last five matches. With The Blues constantly being linked to Marco Verratti from PSG, Fabregas will look to get his future back on track at other clubs.
With every passing week, Chelsea’s backline look like a brick wall. Surprisingly, without the guidance of John Terry, who has only started 4 matches this term. As much as the fans and management would love to see him stay, Terry will be hankering for playing minutes and reports have suggested that he could reunite with former boss Andre Villas-Boas at Shanghai SPIG. With Kurt Zouma nearing fitness after being out for 7 months, a spot on the bench might even pose a challenge for the 35-year old.
Besides the ones mentioned above, other senior players have chipped in the clearance list as well like Branislav Ivanovic and Mikel John Obi. (via Daily Express)
With the quintet expected to leave the club, reports also suggest that Antonio Conte is looking to add a new face to the team. Of all positions, the former Juventus boss is keen to sign AC Milan’s goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma. The 17-year old is widely complimented as Gianluigi Buffon’s successor with series of outstanding performances. Securing his signature won’t be an easy feat, though, as Juventus are all set to lure him over with an attractive package (via SportMediaset cited by Express). Having said that, despite an impressive recent run of form, Thibaut Courtois is keen for a move to Spain.
As things stand now, if Conte manages to sign Donnarumma as well as Verratti and offload the deadwoods, chances for the Blues to clinch their 5th Premier League trophy is no premature talk.