Chelsea ask Conte to stall on completing transfers, delaying things

Lazio star Antonio Candreva has been tipped to leave the Serie A club this summer, with Inter and Chelsea interested in signing him.

Inter, however, have taken concrete steps in the hope of signing him. It is reported the Serie A giants are ready to pay €18m plus €2m in bonuses for the Italian international.

On Saturday, Gazzetta dello Sport say Candreva has also given the green light to Inter, but Claudio Lotito, Lazio’s owner, has set an asking price of €25m.

That gives Chelsea some time to make their offer, and Gazzetta believe the Premier League side have asked Conte to first complete his Euro 2016 with the Italian national team before shifting his attention towards a deal for Candreva.

Perhaps Chelsea feel the same way about transfers in general this summer, which would explain their perceived slowness in the market.

Inter appear to be the favourites, but Chelsea could always ask Lazio to delay the deal since they’ve more money.

The 29-year-old is also currently at the Euros, so it’s unlikely any deal will be concluded before the completion of the tournament.