Antonio Conte has some big plans for his Chelsea side this summer as he is looking to add some of the brightest prospects in world football to his squad at the Stamford Bridge. The latest name constantly linked with a move to Chelsea is Lazio attacker Keita Balde Diao.
According to reports today, Italian giants Juventus, who are desperate for his signature, have denied having secured his signature, and this will come as great news for English clubs Manchester United and Chelsea. The Blues are in the group stage of the Champions League next season and will surely have a greater pull than their Manchester based counterparts this transfer window.
Born and brought up in Spain, the 22-year Senegal international is a product of the La Masia academy where he learnt the game for seven long years before moving on to Lazio back in 2011. He took his time to establish himself in the first team in Italy but he now has 26 goals in 110 appearances in the domestic league for his side in his career.
A versatile attacker who can play as a support striker if needed, Balde is a genuine winger who loves to have the ball at his feet and dribble past opponents. He is an excellent finisher, one of the best in the league, and is one of the most adept players in counter-attack situations. He can cut inside, or put accurate crosses from the byline, playing as a winger, and can make those late runs, playing through the middle that carves defences open.
He has been in tremendous form, picking up 16 goals and six assists in all competitions this season and is a deadly option for Chelsea in front of goal. The likes of Eden Hazard and Diego Costa are linked with an exit but neither might quit just months after lifting the second league title in three years. Willian and Pedro will fight for another place and Conte is sure to spend on more than one attacking options and Balde can surely be one of them.
At just 22, he is still learning the game but has all the attributes to make him a hit in England. Conte has not worked with him, but has seen his progress closely in his time in Italy and will know what he will offer to the club this summer. Manchester United and Sevilla will also be looking to lure the Senegalese winger but Antonio Conte might be holding the trump card to land him this summer.
