---
title: "Conte looking to strengthen defence in January"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2016/11/08/conte-looking-strengthen-defence-january/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Daniel Emery"
section: "Chelsea News"
published: "2016-11-08T12:31:17Z"
modified: "2016-11-08T12:31:17Z"
---

# Conte looking to strengthen defence in January

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is looking to strengthen his defensive options in January, according to [the Mirror](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/ruthless-antonio-conte-planning-major-9216205).

The report says that Conte is eager to add more strength to his backline – in order for him to rotate his players across competitions. He is said to be looking for a centre-back and a left-back.

This is despite Chelsea having kept five clean sheets in-a-row in the Premier League.

![Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/617449368.jpg)

Thibaut Courtois has not seen a goal hit his net since Chelsea’s 3-0 loss to Arsenal at the end of September.

The Belgian shot-stopper did not concede a single goal in the Premier League during October – but Conte is still keen to improve the defence in front of him.

Chelsea currently line-up with a 3-4-3 formation but Conte looking to sign a left-back could hint at a possible change in formation. This is despite Chelsea’s incredible form of late.

The report also claims that central midfielder Jon Obi Mikel will not be awarded a new contract.