Go For It Conte: This £26m Greek International Star Could Be A Shrewd Signing For Chelsea

Go For It Conte – Why This AS Roma Star Will Be A Shrewd Signing For The Blues

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has been assured of a high spending transfer window by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and the Blues are already closing in on some high-profile arrivals. The former Juventus and Azzurri boss is also keen to strengthen his back-line.

Conte, who had a successful inception in English football following last season’s League triumph, has let a number of star performers leave prior to the upcoming campaign and is now concentrating on rebuilding his side in order to compete with the elites of Europe in the prestigious Champions League competition as well.

Conte has not renewed the contract of legendary English centre-back John Terry and is now looking for his long-term successor who can add quality as well as leadership skills similar to the Englishman. The Italian boss had initial stumbles at the start of previous campaign.

However, he upturned Chelsea’s fortunes since shifting to a ‘back three’ formation (that led him to success during his tenure with Juventus and Italy national team as well) and eventually regained the Premier League throne securing a 13-game winning streak in the process. The Londoners, however, still need defensive reinforcements in the form of at least one centre-back who can add steel to their defence alongside David Luiz and Gary Cahill.

With the need to add a new centre-back, the latest news of Kostas Manolas’ failure to agree to terms with Russian heavyweights Zenit Saint Petersburg should excite the Blues’ boss, who now has a golden opportunity to hijack the deal for the high profile AS Roma centre-back.

Manolas, the 26- year-old Greece international, is reportedly available for a fee around £26million after failing to attend the medical for the Russian giants due to a dispute over payment currency as he demanded his wage on Euros instead of Rubles.

Chelsea, meanwhile have emerged as favourites to land the defender who was previously linked to rivals Arsenal. Manolas has appeared 131 times altogether in his three campaigns with the Serie A runners-up since his move from the Greek heavyweights Olympiacos F.C. back in 2014.

Manolas is physically strong and holds a significant aerial presence. He is known for his vision, range of passing, strong tackling skills as well as smart intercepting attributes. The Roma star, thus, has everything that is required to be a top-notch central defender and his arrival might sort out Conte’s defensive concerns for the upcoming campaign.