Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri is reportedly top of Chelsea’s list of candidates to replace Antonio Conte this summer.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report that Sarri’s €8m release clause is one Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is willing to pay in order to secure his services.
Sarris has reportedly put contract negotiations on hold with the Serie A outfit, believing that Chelsea will make an approach sooner rather than later.
Conte still has a year remaining on his £9m a year contract at Stamford Bridge, but it is looking increasingly likely he will leave this summer following a number of public bust-ups with the board.
The poor defence of their Premier League title hasn’t helped, with the Blues sitting in fifth and 27 points behind newly crowned champions Manchester City.
In fact, the Blues are in serious danger of missing out on the Champions League, which could force Abramovich’s hand financially.
Sarri has been in charge at Napoli since 2015 and finished runner-up to Juventus in his first season. He then guided them to third last year and won manager of the year in the process, and with three games remaining this season, the Naples side are only four points behind leaders Juve.
The 59-year-old is reportedly so confident he’ll be offered a move to the Premier League that he’s asked his coaching staff to start learning English.
