Despite rumors suggesting there could be a number of departures from Chelsea’s midfield, the Blues boss has stated that his players aren’t leaving anywhere.
Conte has admitted that Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas is not leaving the club in January and will remain an integral part of the managers’ plans in the future. Fabregas has been linked with a few top clubs in Europe after he was finding it difficult to earn a starting position in Conte’s new system.
The former Arsenal captain was restored to the starting line up in the 3-1 victory over Manchester City but only found himself on the bench again when Chelsea faced West Bromwich Albion on Sunday, as Nemanja Matic was fit and preferred over the 29-year-old. But Antonio Conte has dismissed the transfer rumors and insists his play-maker isn’t going anywhere in the transfer window.
Fabregas has played key roles in assisting Diego Costa in his last two games and Conte was reported saying,
“As I have said in a previous press conference, Cesc is a good player and is part of my squad.”
“We all know very clear his quality. For me, today, it was important to change.” the Italian manager added on the ex-Barcelona man.
Given the big challenges coming up in the next few weeks and months it would be quite a surprise if Conte allows Fabregas to leave Stamford Bridge.
Conte was also quizzed about Nigerian midfielder, John Obi Mikel’s future after his contract expires next summer, to which the Chelsea boss replied,
“The situation is simple; he’s in the squad and is staying with us and we know that at the end of the season probably his contract is going to expire. I don’t know what will happen. Now he’s part of this squad. If I have to talk about a contract for players I prefer to talk with my club.”