Roman Abramovich has been suitably impressed by the performances of the Blues under Antonio Conte since he implemented his own system and will now sanction a major spending spree over the next two transfer windows to allow the Italian to recruit players to suit his set up, claim the Telegraph.
Conte has made it clear that he feels reinforcements are needed, primarily in defence and up front, and he will have the cash available to him to bring in the kind of players he wants to make the most of the system to mount a title challenge.
One possible addition could be Sevilla midfielder Steven N’Zonzi, who has previously spent time at Blackburn and Stoke in the Premier League. However, he has excelled in La Liga and has been linked with moves to the likes of Barcelona alongside Chelsea, and discussed the speculation with L’Equipe saying:
“It’s nice, it’s good. But I always say that this type of club is interested in other players too. I am not the only one. I know that big clubs are interested in many players. I focus on what I do at Sevilla. Until there is something concrete, we must remain professional. Some clubs were interested [in the close-season], but I feel good at Sevilla.”
The Frenchman has been lauded for his performances as Sevilla won the Europa League last season and has done superbly in the opening weeks of this season with Sevilla pushing the big three in Spain very close, narrowly losing to Barcelona on Sunday evening.
He may be a direct replacement for Cesc Fabregas, who could stay in London should he depart Chelsea in January or in the summer. Speculation that Dimitri Payet could be angling for a move away has sparked rumours that West Ham will make a move for Fabregas as a replacement at the London Stadium, claim the Standard.
Chelsea are reportedly desperate to get rid of the Spaniard, and whilst they may not want him coming back to haunt them as he would if he stays in the Premier League, it may be easier to convince him to depart if he can remain where he is settled in the capital.
Featured Image: All rights reserved by Aleksandr Osipov.