It seems like Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has called an all-out raid on his former side Juventus this summer as he enquires about yet another player of the Italian side. After Alex Sandro and Leonardo Bonucci, it is now central midfielder Claudio Marchisio, who is a target for Conte as per reports.
The Italian international has fallen out of the first team the last term after a horrific cruciate ligament injury the previous season. It has limited his Serie A appearances to just 18 times last season. He played eight times in the Champions League though and would look to make a comeback next term stronger.
However, Conte is eyeing to exploit the small opportunity he has now to lure him to Stamford Bridge. The Italian had no natural anchorman last season as he had to rely mainly on the work rate of N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic. Chelsea lack the attribute of a strong holding midfielder, who would win tackles and provide long balls from deep midfield.
While Cesc Fabregas did compensate for it up to some extent with some fine assists, his lack of defensive contributions forced Conte to use him from the bench mostly. Matic is a probable departure this summer, and the boss wants to pair up Kante with Marchisio in the midfield.
Marchisio has been one of the most consistent figures in the Italian national team over the past five years, and even for Juventus. The academy product of the Turin club has been a regular for the side since the 2006-07 season, and it is only last season that he has played less than 20 games for the side. He has played a whopping 369 games for the Old Lady so far, scoring 37 goals and assisting 41 times in the process.
Yes, Conte had given a crucial role in his central midfield when he won three Serie A titles with Juventus, but luring him away from Italy seems impossible. He has been a fan favourite for long now. However, although he is 31-year-old, Italians are known for their longevity and Chelsea would get four good years from him if they manage to land him anyhow.
Juventus manager Max Allegri knows his importance and popularity in the side and wouldn’t want to give him just 15 starts next season, like the last one. Marchisio faces competition mainly from Sami Khedira and Miralem Pjanic, and with Mario Lemina already going this summer, Allegri would like to hold on to him.
And with World Cup coming up next year, the player would himself want an Italy stay for the next season at least.
