Chelsea have received a major boost in pursuit of Antonio Candreva, with Inter Milan lining up a move for Lazio man Keita Balde Diao as his replacement
According to Daily Mirror, Chelsea have received a major boost in their pursuit to finally add options to the wing-back slot. Inter Milan are eyeing a move for Keita Balde Diao and are willing to part with Antonio Candreva if they manage to land the winger ahead of Juventus, who are also tailing the Lazio man.
Antonio Candreva has been an inter-country journeyman in Italy throughout his footballing career. Latest of his homes has been Inter Milan, where he arrived in the summer of 2016 from Lazio. In his first season at San Siro, the player was an indelible part of the first-team setup.
Inter Milan could be ready to sell Antonio Candreva to Chelsea with replacements lined up [Mediaset] #CFC pic.twitter.com/6Ih0W9WHEv
— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) August 1, 2017
Candreva featured in each and every Serie A game for the Nerazzurri, with a return of 6 goals and 11 assists to show for his efforts. And while the player looks to have taken to his new home rather well, he could be set to leave the club after only a season.
Chelsea and Tottenham have both been linked with a move for Candreva. Chelsea have been looking to add depth to their wing-back positions, with Victor Moses the only current option on the right side. The Blues faced defeat in their pursuits of Danilo and Benjamin Mendy.
And with Sergi Roberto wanting to return to the midfield – his natural position – the player is no longer an option for Chelsea, who have now shifted their attention back to Candreva.
Candreva will add a lot of experience to the squad as well, something that Conte knows the squad lacks after the departure of John Terry. Also, the player, like Conte, has a brief history with Juventus.
However, unlike the Chelsea manager, the 30-year-old only played for the Italian giants for half-a-season. Nevertheless, after a series of disappointments in the pursuit of several potential additions, Candreva could soon become a Blues player.
Mediaset Premium say @Inter have decided to keep Perišić, but sell Candreva. The 30 year old has interested Chelsea. Would cost €25m. pic.twitter.com/xAgJ1uMK8J
— Messi Minutes (@MessiMinutes) August 1, 2017
Inter Milan are targeting Keita Balde Diao of Lazio and with Ivan Perisic’s Manchester United move in tatters, the Italian outfit is now reportedly willing to part with Candreva, if they are able to replace the player with the winger from his former club, Keita Balde Diao.
Inter’s pursuit, though, will be challenged by Juventus, who are also keen on the player. But, Juventus have already signed Federico Bernardeschi and hence could drop out of the race, paving the way for Inter to sign him. And the aforementioned could see Chelsea land Candreva as well.
Everything, though, hinges on Inter’s success in the pursuit of the Lazio man and subsequently, Candreva’s choice of whether to stay in a known league or test himself in a new league with a team that can also offer him Champions League football and a better chance at silverware.
