Chelsea round-up: Blow in chase for midfielder; Monaco youngster an alternative; winger reveals talks

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Chelsea have faced a second blow in their pursuit of Antonio Conte’s former player Marco Verratti, as the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder told AS, translated by the Sun and the Express:

“Even though I am currently in a good project and I feel at home, any player would play for Barcelona.”

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His decision to spurn the interest of his former Italy boss won’t go down well at Stamford Bridge, coming not long after Calciomercato claimed that the deal was already set to become very difficult with Inter Milan prepared to offer a swap deal for the playmaker involving Ever Banega or Geoffrey Kondogbia.

An alternative could be Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, as Le10Sport report that both Chelsea and Manchester City have made approaches to the French club for the holding midfielder with a view to a summer move, though they are reluctant to sell and are expected to demand at least £25.5 million for their asset.

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It seems that Bakayoko could make a move to England this summer, with Manchester United also linked, but it remains unclear where his final destination could be. He would fit in well at Stamford Bridge alongside N’Golo Kante in midfield though.

Currently on loan at Newcastle United, having just returned from international duty with Ghana at the African Cup of Nations, winger Christian Atsu has discussed his future at the club. Atsu revealed:

“It is difficult for me and Chelsea – you can see the kind of wingers they have. I have to keep working hard. I spoke with Conte. He is a good manager, very serious in his work. I need to keep fighting for Newcastle and do well here. I will be very happy if Chelsea win the Premier League and Newcastle get promoted.”

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Currently on his fifth loan spell since joining the club, it seems unlikely that the left winger will have a role in the first time anytime soon and a move away seems likely.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Calciomercato Italia.