Chelsea have reportedly lost the race for Kostas Manolas as the Greek international has agreed to extend his current contract. Antonio Conte’s search for a new central defender will continue if this really happens.
Manolas was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea but had decided to remain at AS Roma and the move seemed to have paid off. Manolas has proved to be a very effective defender in all formations and that probably triggered Conte’s attention. The 25-year-old has seemingly become one of the toughest defenders in the European circuit and his performance for Roma only justifies this fact.
The Greek international has made 45 appearances in all competitions for the Italian club this season and has been virtually errorless for them. His commanding presence in the back has helped Roma immensely this season as they secured a second finish this term. However, with Manolas expected to stay at Stadio Olimpico, Chelsea would be bound to dig deep in the transfer market.
Leonardo Bonucci
Conte’s interest in this player is not unknown as the Italian gaffer has been trying to make him one of his most desired acquisition in the summer. John Terry has already expressed his willingness to leave the club and that opens a move for the Italian defender.
Bonucci’s rise to prominence briefly started under Conte’s guidance. He remained at the club but Conte decided to ply his trade at various destinations. The Italian gaffer had a brief and pretty successful stint with the Italian national team. Then he came to London to manage Chelsea and surprisingly led the West London team to their second Premier League title in three years.
A need of a ball-playing defender is evident in every team given the current playing conditions. The 30-year-old is at his peak and a move to Chelsea would only give his career an uplift.
Virgil Van Dijk
The Dutch defender is one of the obvious choices if the West London side are to move for a defender. Van Dijk has declared his interest to leave the club and if Southampton receive a substantial fee they will not block his move. Van Dijk will be a readymade choice for Conte as the defender is proven in the Premier league and has been in superb form. He is also reportedly scouted by Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp needs a defender to bolster his team.
Kalidou Koulibaly
The Napoli defender had been targeted by Chelsea before but he turned down the chance and stayed back in Naples. He signed a new contract in September but that wouldn’t be a problem for high spenders like Chelsea. Koulibaly is destined to move away from Stadio San Paolo and Chelsea could be his next destination.
