Chelsea have reportedly turned their attention to Inter Milan superstar Antonio Candreva after their failure to land Real Madrid defender Danilo.
According to The Sun, Chelsea have approached Inter Milan to scour the availability of Italian international Antonio Candreva. The player is being eyed by Antonio Conte to bolster the right wing-back area after their failure in the pursuit of Real Madrid defender Danilo, who looks destined for Manchester City.
Candreva is one of the many Italian internationals who have spent their entire footballing career plying their trade in their homeland only. Candreva has been a true journeyman within the nation itself, though, having played for the likes of Udinese, Livorno, Parma, Cesena, Lazio and Inter Milan.
In his first season at Inter, the player was ever-present in the lineup in Serie A, with a return of 6 goals and 11 assists to show for his efforts. And while the Nerazzurri did not manage to qualify for European competitions for the upcoming campaign, Candreva impressed with his work-rate and contribution.
REPORT: Chelsea have opened negotiations with Italian giants Inter over £23m-rated winger Antonio Candreva.
— Bolarinwa Olajide (@iambolar) July 22, 2017
Antonio Conte is an admirer of players with exceptional work-rate and the same could be the reason why the Italian manager has turned to the player after facing failure in the pursuit of Danilo. At 30, the player has immense experience under his belt and would be an invaluable addition to the squad at Stamford Bridge.
The right wing-back slot is an area where Chelsea lack serious depth. Victor Moses is the only recognised option and the failure to land Danilo has further accentuated the need for addition of options in the said position. Candreva is still contracted till 2020 to Inter, who are unlikely to part with their player for cheap.
According to the report, Chelsea have submitted an enquiry to Inter for the player. Inter Milan, though, are reluctant to sell Candreva after just one season at San Siro, especially with Ivan Perisic reportedly to be on his way to Manchester United, despite difficulties in negotiations between the two clubs over the transfer fee.
Candreva, though, is ready to move to Stamford Bridge after Inter Milan failed to qualify for European competitions – something he would be able to compete in with Chelsea. At 30, the player is likely to want to add trophies to his cabinet and Chelsea presents a better opportunity to do the same – more than Inter at this point of time.
Chelsea have made an inquiry as to the availability of Inter winger Antonio Candreva.
( Src: The Sun ) #HalaFootball pic.twitter.com/7evkGF4QOO— Hala Transfer News (@HalaTransfers) July 22, 2017
Chelsea have been linked with the player previously as well, with reports that the Blues had a deadline day bid rejected for the winger back in January.
Candreva is valued around £23 million and it will be interesting to see if Conte would sanction a move for his countryman, given the necessity to add to the position.
