Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is targeting Swansea City striker Fernando Llorente and Crystal Palace forward Christian Benteke as he looks for a back-up for new signing Alvaro Morata, according to a report from the Independent.
The Chelsea boss is keen to add firepower to his side ahead of the new Premier League season.
The Italian is short on forwards after he revealed to Spaniard Diego Costa that he was no longer a part of his plans at Stamford Bridge. Conte has brought in Morata for a club record fee but wants to add another forward before the transfer window slams shut.
Chelsea were keen to sign Llorente in January and approached Swansea about a possible deal but the Swans were adamant that they will not sell their front-man.
And Conte has come calling again for the Spanish forward which has led Swansea to slap a £30m price tag on him, which Chelsea are not ready to pay.
Llorente has worked with Morata and Conte during his time at Juventus and the two forwards gained a very healthy connection during their time in Turin and Llorente is hoping to be reunited with his compatriot.
As for Benteke, the striker is hesitant about forcing a move to the Premier League striker because he does not want to be a second choice striker like he was at Liverpool, especially with the World Cup coming up in 2018.
Conte’s pursuit for a forward put the future of current forward Michy Batshuayi in doubt as the Belgian is expected to leave the club on a season long loan.
Comments.
Loading comments…