From Italy: Antonio Conte nowhere near dismissal, looking for Chelsea signings instead

 

Italian journalist Gabriele Marcotti has been asked by Calcio Mercato to give his opinion on Antonio Conte’s situation at Chelsea, after the betting chaos on Thursday.

Marcotti has explained that he’s spoke to sources at the club and says the stories about the manager’s possible departure are nothing but lies. The journalist rightly pointed out it all came from betting companies, who would be interested in having people bet on Antonio Conte’s dismissal and possible replacements.

According to the journalist, the manager still has much credit with the club and the press, and shouldn’t be going anywhere so soon.

It’s also said that Conte isn’t happy with Chelsea’s summer market, and is already planning some new signings. “He’ll certainly ask Abramovich for reinforcements,” Marcotti says. The main target would be Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci, who has been linked to Chelsea since the manager’s arrival, but that has to be considered very unlikely.

The club would also be looking for a midfielder, in which case Cesc Fabregas would be on his way out. Even a loan option is considered in case Chelsea fail to sell him.