Chelsea: Manchester United in chase for target; Kante latest; Brazilian starlet linked

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One of the Blues’ major transfer moves this summer could be their reported move for Leicester City’s N’Golo Kante. The Guardian claim that Chelsea are set to make a £27 million offer for the Frenchman in an attempt persuade the Premier League champions to let go of their prized midfield asset. The Foxes have offered him a new contract and are determined to maintain their midfield enforcer, but are aware that he could be tempted by the lure of a club like Chelsea.

Antonio Conte is said to be refusing to allow Nemanja Matic to complete a move to Juventus until a replacement can be brought to the club. The move represents a clear and well planned transfer strategy, and given Kante’s displays in the Euros, it could well prove to be an upgrade on the Serbian midfielder whose performance levels dropped last season both under Jose Mourinho and after his departure.

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Another man who is supposedly a key target for the West London club this summer is striker Gabigol, also known as Gabriel Barbosa, with the Santos forward keen to try his luck in the Premier League. The Mirror report that Chelsea are set to launch a £35 million bid for the 19-year-old, with the Brazilian club instead trying to persuade his current deal to 2021.

Having scored 11 goals in 26 games in the 2016 campaign, the Brazilian has potential but some have questioned whether or not a move to England would suit the lightweight striker. Chelsea are not known for their youth development, and have been heavily criticised for their record in that regard in recent years, so a move to another Premier League club may better suit the youngster. With Tottenham’s interest said to be cooling, Stamford Bridge is looking increasingly likely to be his destination.

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Antonio Conte is also said to be fighting Jose Mourinho for the services of Portuguese midfielder Joao Mario, with a £46 million bid having been made. Such an offer would match the Sporting winger’s release clause according to the Express. The 23-year-old would provide ample competition to the likes of Willian and Eden Hazard who at times last season, seemed overly comfortable with the lack of competition, and he would be a good replacement for Juventus bound flop Juan Cuadrado.

With seven goals in 45 games last season, and 18 caps to his name, Joao Mario shone this summer as his country surprised some to win the Euros, and impressed Chelsea bosses on the process, although they could face tough competition from his fellow countryman in charge at Old Trafford.

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There is also incoming news of an exit from London, with young defender Kenneth Omurero close to completing a move to Besiktas in Turkey. At 22, Antonio Conte clearly feels that Omurero has missed the boat and will not be able to develop to the standard that is required to reach the first team at Stamford Bridge.

With Conte looking to bring in reinforcements in defence, now is a good time for the centre-back; who can also play at right back, to move on, with him turning down Celta Vigo in favour of a £4 million move to Turkey, according to Naij.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Santos Futebol Clube.