---
title: "Conte planning defensive reshuffle"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2016/09/26/conte-planning-defensive-reshuffle/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Oliver Birch"
section: "Chelsea News"
published: "2016-09-26T09:41:51Z"
modified: "2016-09-26T09:41:51Z"
---

# Conte planning defensive reshuffle

In the wake of Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal on Saturday afternoon, Antonio Conte is planning to strengthen his defensive options following yet another poor display at the back.

According to the [Independent](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/antonio-conte-chelsea-defensive-clear-out-gary-cahill-david-luiz-and-bransilav-ivanovic-a7330036.html), the futures of Gary Cahill, Branislav Ivanovic, Marcos Alonso and David Luiz are all in doubt at the club, despite Alonso and Luiz both only recently moving to Stamford Bridge.

Cahill was caught in possession as the last man once again this season, a mistake which led to Arsenal’s opening goal, following similar lapses in concentration against Swansea and Leicester respectively.

![Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/610108852.jpg)

And with both John Terry and Kurt Zouma looking set to return from their respective injuries in the not too distant future, both Cahill and Ivanovic are set to be surplus to requirements under Conte, should the board allow him to chase his transfer targets in January.

The Chelsea boss is reportedly looking to sign two central defenders and a new full-back in January, which could also spell the end for left-back Alonso and Luiz’s second spell at the club.

However, the former may have a slightly greater chance to impress Conte in the coming weeks, as the return of Terry and Zouma coupled with Ivanovic’s poor form could see Cesar Azpilicueta return to right-back, leaving Alonso’s favoured left-back spot open for him.

Conte was keen to bring in Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci in the summer after working with him both for the Italian national side and in Turin and looks set to pursue the defender again in January, while he will also work hard to sign Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly.

![Claudio Villa/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/516833800.jpg)

Conte is also looking to increase the number of homegrown players in his squad in order to comply with Premier League regulations and, as we also recently reported, is scouting Middlesborough’s Ben Gibson and Michael Keane of Burnley.