The Mirror claim that Chelsea could be set to pounce should Arsenal fail to find a solution to the dispute which is delaying Alexis Sanchez from putting pen to paper on a new deal at the Emirates, with Antonio Conte said to be a huge fan of the Chilean and seeing the forward as the ideal partner for Diego Costa up front.
It would be an audacious bid if the Blues were to attempt to pull off the move, and it seems highly unlikely to come true, but Roman Abramovich would most likely be happy to support his manager to bring in a player who could fire his team to the title and weaken a rival in the process.
At the other end of the field, the Express say that Conte is spurring his club on to enter the race for Southampton defender Virgil Van Dijk. Liverpool, Everton and both Manchester clubs are all considering activating his £25 million release clause after his commanding displays on the south coast this season.
As an option who is proven in the Premier League, it would make sense for Conte to be keen on the Dutchman, who at just 25-years-old has age on his side as well. At £25 million, he would be a bargain.
Van Dijk could also be a long term replacement for captain John Terry, as the Evening Standard report that the FA have put his name on a shortlist of former England internationals who they wish to offer a shortcut into coaching.
The FA are desperate to get more former players into coaching, particularly on the international scene with a shortage of candidates for the England manager’s role, and Terry would seem a natural fit, though initial reports suggest that he is not yet ready to retire and would prefer to continue playing for now.
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