Antonio Conte must be quite pleased with the way his side’s pre-season has gone so far. After adding a host of top quality players during the summer, Chelsea went on to beat everyone in their pre-season matches, including a 3-0 demolition of rivals Arsenal.
But Conte is still not done, as he feels that he needs to add a few more players to his squad, if they are to challenge on all fronts this season. The addition of Alvaro Morata was seen as an excellent replacement for the out going Diego Costa, although we have now learned that Morata was not Conte’s first choice.
Conte has made it clear that he wants to strengthen the midfield, with English talents Ross Barkley and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlein at the top of his list.
Both Barkely and Chamberlein will cost around 30-50 million each, as they are both extremely versatile players. The Ox in particular had a brilliant second half to the season, as he was one of Arsenal’s best players in their FA cup winning run.
While Everton have made it clear that Barkley is sale for the right price, Arsene Wenger has told repeatedly the Ox will not be sold.
But as Manchester City has proved it in the transfer market, any player is available for the right price. And if Conte can get the right money out of them, then anything is possible!
