Various reports suggest Chelsea are eyeing a move for Serie A winger, Domenico Berardi this summer as Antonio Conte looks to strengthen his squad for the next season as the Blues enter a hectic set of fixtures.
The 22-year-old has been a popular figure in the Italian league playing for Sassuolo and quite, unfortunately, his season has been limited to just 15 outings so far with a serious knee injury. However, his absence from the pitch hasn’t stopped his suitors from attempting to land him with Serie A giants, Inter Milan hot on his heels.
According to Italian news outlet, Calciomercato, Chelsea have also taken a keen interest in the player and in fact, has progressed in talks over a possible move to Stamford Bridge. The Italian boss is apparently a long-term admirer of the right winger and wants him for his side, expectantly to compete with the likes of Pedro and Willian for the role. With European fixtures coming in next season, the Blues will need to have a thick bench to keep their consistency at the top level.
Chelsea experienced a real scare of losing out on the Premier League title this season after enjoying a vacation at the top of the league table when a vibrant Manchester United side brought them down at their backyard.
The Blues hadn’t been an invincible side though they have been extremely consistent in their performances. Antonio Conte’s men have failed against the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace and Arsenal earlier and it is their immediate comeback that has been the key to their success. The loss against United, however, exposed a clear chink in their armour as it was proved once again that the Blues had no plan B if Eden Hazard was brought out of the equation.
This would be one of the biggest gaps to fill next season and Conte looks to have already taken strides in doing it. Berardi is labelled by his club in the region of £35m, which wouldn’t be a big deal for the London side surely, however, Inter’s interest in him will be a concern.
A youth product of Sassuolo, Berardi has spent loan stints with league leaders Juventus immediately after breaking into the first team in 2012. Since then, he has played 141 games bagging 52 goals. A right-winger by nature, Berardi can play from the left with equal ease as well as through the middle. He had played a significant role in Sassuolo’s Europa league qualifiers, scoring five goals and assisting one in four appearances.
