Antonio Conte ready to bid big money for EURO16 winning midfielder
Jul 26, 2016 at 12:59 PM
Antonio Conte took charge of a Chelsea side that finished 10th in the points table just a year after lifting the Premier League trophy.
However, the manager will be looking get the club back to its best and it trying to get as many stars as possible into his squad to help him compete in all three domestic competitions next season. So they have been linked with a number of players recently with Portugal midfielder Joao Mario the latest link.
The Portugal international who is currently playing for Sporting Lisbon had an impressive stint with the national side in the EUROs and has naturally attracted a lot of interest from a number of European clubs including Manchester United and Inter Milan.
But it is now understood that Conte is desperate for another midfielder to partner N’ Golo Kante, the new summer addition and has turned his attention towards the EUROs winning midfielder.
Joao Mario is a strong, physical midfielder who loves to cover his back four but is also equally good at rotating possession and dominating the midfield. At just 23, he has shown great potential during his time with Sporting in the Portuguese domestic league and is slowly establishing himself as a decent player in his position.
He was also influential in his country’s run into the final in the EUROs and Conte wants to have him in his squad to help him in the Premier League next season.
It was also revealed that the Premier League outfit are readying a £46million bid for the midfielder to lure him to Stamford Bridge this summer.
And it now looks like a move is on the cards after it was reported that the midfielder was absent for a practice game against Lyon. The Portuguese outfit are not ready to let the player leave this summer but if Chelsea can meet his valuation, there is hardly any hope for Sporting to keep hold of their player.
However, Conte will have to act fast as Manchester United and Inter Milan are also closely monitoring his signature.
A move to Stamford Bridge will be a great one for Mario’s career as he will surely be given a starting XI place under Conte next season which will help him grow as a player.
Do you think Chelsea should sign this EURO16 winner this summer?