According to reports in Italy, Chelsea have stepped up their interest in Lazio winger Antonio Candreva and have contacted Jeison Murillo’s agent regarding a possible move.

 

After first being linked with a move for the the 29-year-old a few weeks back, latest reports claim that Chelsea have decided to step up their interest in Lazio winger Antonio Candreva after his performance against Belgium in Italy’s opening match of Euro 2016.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport and La Repubblica (via Football Italia), the Blues could add the Italy international to their ranks as Antonio Conte looks to rebuild a broken squad. The Stamford Bridge outfit were facing competition from Inter Milan after Roberto Mancini had reportedly zeroed in on him as a summer transfer target, but a reported increase in the price tag from £15 million to £19 million has put the Serie A giants off given their financial restrictions.

Napoli-Lazio
With Pedro recently hinting at a move back to Barcelona, Chelsea may very well decide to replace him with the Italian. The 29-year-old would be familiar with Conte’s ways, having worked with him in the Italian national setup.

What will be interesting to see is how Conte incorporates a natural winger into a squad which boasts the likes of Eden Hazard and Willian. Last season, Candreva recorded his career best tally of 12 goals and was Lazio’s best player. At 29 years of age, the Roman-born wide man is in the peak years of his career and a move to Stamford Bridge could be a final opportunity to play for one of the most popular clubs in world football.

Chelsea make contact with Jeison Murillo

Frosinone vs Inter
Chelsea’s defensive frailties were clear for all to see last term as their back four looked a shadow of the defensive unit that was key to the Blues’ Premier League triumph in 2014-15. In light of Conte’s arrival, Chelsea are looking for reinforcements to help strengthen their back line, and according to Calciomercato (via Metro), they have contacted the agent of Inter Milan centre-back Jeison Murillo.

The Italian giants are reportedly looking to sell players in order to sort of FFP restrictions and one of the main players expected to leave is Colombian international Jeison Murillo. The 23-year-old was linked with a move to Chelsea earlier this year after Conte was reported to be scouting for targets during an Inter Milan game. Murillo has also been linked with a move to cross town rivals Arsenal.

Though Inter have not been contacted by Chelsea, it is reported that the Nerazzurri  value Murillo at £23.8million. With fines to pay and Financial Fair Play regulations to be met, this amount would help Inter significantly as Mancini and his men attempt to return to the Serie A top three and by extension, the UEFA Champions League.

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