Transfer Rumour: Antonio Conte plans reunion with Claudio Marchisio at Chelsea

Antonio Conte is reportedly keen to bring his former protege from the manager’s time at Juventus, Claudio Marchisio, to Chelsea in the summer

Talksport have reported that Chelsea are interested in Juventus superstar Claudio Marchisio. The Italian international is well known to Antonio Conte from the duo’s time together at Juventus and as a part of the Italian national setup. And they may be set for a reunion at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2017.

Claudio Marchisio is one of the most well-renowned central midfielders to have graced Serie A in recent times. The 31-year-old has emerged from the Juventus youth setup and has gone on to become one of the mainstays in the Bianconeri side for the last decade.

Marchisio is a truly one-club man, having played just one season for a different club, while on loan at fellow Serie A side Empoli. With a record of 36 goals and 40 assists in 354 senior appearances for the Old Lady, the midfielder is well revered by the Juventus fans for the loyalty he has shown towards the club.

This season, though, the player has seen his appearances marginalised due to the arrival of other options in the midfield. Massimiliano Allegri has used Marchisio sporadically, with the 31-year-old appearing in only 14 matches this season, with a return of a goal and 3 assists to show for his efforts.

Chelsea have flown under the leadership of Antonio Conte and find themselves atop the Premier League table. But Conte is seeking reinforcements for the midfield and the addition of depth in the aforementioned position at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have been linked with the likes of Radja Nainggolan and others. But, Claudio Marchisio is well aware of Conte’s playing style, tactics and what the Italian demands from his players. The player is more likely to slot in quicker than the other targets.

And at 31, Marchisio would not mind playing more of a squad role than being the first name on the team sheet, as is now the case at Juventus as well. Marchisio, though, is a true Bianconeri, and with his current contract running till 2020, Chelsea may find it difficult to agree a deal for the Italian.

Marchisio has devoted his entire footballing career to Juventus till date and has rejected advances from many elite clubs in the past. But, with his game time decreasing by the day, it might just be time for the 31-year-old to move to newer pastures and find a fresh challenge.