Chelsea have reportedly set their sights on Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri as the man to succeed Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge.
According to a report in Italian publication Football Italia, Maurizio Sarri is being sounded out by the Chelsea board to take the helm at Stamford Bridge after Antonio Conte. In fact, the Blues are set to offer the Napoli coach €12 million to sign the dotted line next summer.
Sarri’s stock has been on the rise since he joined Napoli, with the Partenopei transforming into genuine contenders for the Serie A title. In his very first campaign at San Paolo, the club finished second in the league, finishing nine points behind winners Juventus.
Last season, Napoli made further improvements, finishing a mere five points adrift of the Bianconeri. This season, Sarri’s side has been one of the most exciting teams in Europe as they currently sit only a point behind league leaders Inter Milan, having played a game less.
What’s been particularly impressive about Napoli’s progress under Sarri is the fact that they have been one of the most prolific sides in Europe while also retaining a solid look at the back. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the Italian has won plaudits for his style of play, with many hailing him to be one of the best managers in the world.
Chelsea are set to turn to Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri as the heir to Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge.
( Src: Football Italia ) pic.twitter.com/eLki5vAj6I— Hala Transfer News (@HalaTransfers) October 25, 2017
With his stock rising considerably in the last few years, Sarri looks set to receive an offer to manage one of the biggest clubs in the world, with Chelsea eyeing the 58-year-old as the replacement for compatriot Antonio Conte.
The Blues have enjoyed tremendous success under their current manager, who guided them to a dominating Premier League triumph last season as the West London club broke the record for the most number of wins in a single campaign.
Chelsea also reached the FA Cup final, before losing to Arsenal, with reports suggesting the club was eager to hand him a bumper new deal as a reward. However, Conte’s men have made a slow start to the 2016-17 season as they currently sit nine points adrift of leaders Manchester City, having already lost thrice.
Widespread reports have claimed that Conte is somewhat dissatisfied at Stamford Bridge, and could depart at the end of the season, with AC Milan his most likely destination. Chelsea, meanwhile, are eager to make a swoop for Sarri, and are set to make an approach for him in the coming weeks.
The West Londoners are prepared to offer the Napoli boss €12 million to tempt him to sign with them. His release clause, as per the report, is €7.5 million, which Chelsea will not hesitate in shelling out.
Thus, it now remains to be seen if Conte indeed ends up departing from Stamford Bridge after just two seasons, and if the Blues succeed in bringing Sarri to West London.
