Antonio Conte is all set to leave Chelsea in the summer after two seasons, claims Sky Italia reporter Ghilda Pensante (h/t Express). After winning the Premier League in his very first season, Conte has cut a frustrated figure all season long.
He was disappointed with the club’s transfer business during the summer as he believes it is one of the reasons why we have failed to mount a serious title challenge this year. Ross Barkley has arrived from Everton while AS Roma duo Edin Dzeko and Emerson Palmieri are reportedly on their way to Stamford Bridge.
Two weeks ago, surprisingly, the Italian refused to rule out leaving Chelsea in the summer, saying “everything is possible” in response to speculation about his exit.
“Everything is possible. I have another year of contract at this club, but everything is possible. In one moment you stay here; in another moment you are in another place and another person replaces you and your job. Football is like this. Our job is very difficult – everything can change a few times,” Conte said when asked about his future, as reported by the Guardian.
However, when pressed later, he admitted he was “fully committed” to the club and explained that Chelsea would have to break his contract, which expires next summer.
“It is normal for the manager of this club to have this type of situation, also if you won last season the league and reached the final of the FA Cup – this is the history of this club for the manager,” he added.
“I have another year of contract and in this case I think the club has to decide to send me away.”
However, reporter Ghilda Pensante believes that Conte won’t stay at Chelsea after this season and says that he could return to return to Italy or join French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain.
“We’re expecting him to leave Chelsea at the end of the season,” Pensante said on Sky Sports’ Transfer Talk Podcast. (h/t Express)
“As for the destination, Paris Saint-Germain are said to be very interested in signing him. We know they’re in touch.
“But Conte’s will seems to be to go and manage back in Italy. For this it is too early to say as there is a lot of big clubs that don’t have big plans for next season yet.
“AC Milan for example, we don’t know yet whether Gattuso Gattuso will remain as the manager or not so Conte’s future will depend also on what happens to some big clubs in Italy. I don’t think that even if Dzeko arrives, that doesn’t change Conte’s will to leave Chelsea. That seems to be sure now.”
I feel that Conte might not have any problems in staying at Stamford Bridge. If he ever decides to leave Chelsea, it could only be because of the board as Abramovich is known for his impatience.