Chelsea star N’Golo Kanté has become a ‘sweet obsession’ for Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte.
That’s according to Calciomercato, who add the midfielder was the only player Conte requested the Nerazzurri sign during the last summer window.
Kanté arrived at the west London club in 2016 when the current Serie A side’s manager was in charge at Stamford Bridge.
The pair shared a ‘strong relationship of mutual respect’ and when describing the ex-Leicester City star, the website states he has the ‘unique ability to cover the ground with out-of-the-ordinary tactical intelligence’.
Inter, however, couldn’t fulfil their coach’s request and there were ‘no real negotiations’ for the France international’s signing. Despite their failure, Conte’s desire to bring the player to the San Siro ‘remains unchanged’.
Kanté, who impressed in his side’s latest 1-1 draw against Real Madrid, is increasingly becoming a leader under Thomas Tuchel.
Piero Ausilio, the sporting director of the Italian league leaders, is aware they will need an offer of in excess of €60m to take Kanté away from Chelsea.
Calciomercato suggest the same figure would fall short following Kanté’s ‘sublime performance’ against Real Madrid on Tuesday.
To sum it up, Conte obsesses about the World Cup winner and has a desire to sign the 30-year-old. However, Inter could struggle financially to sign Kanté in the next market.
