According to reports in The Mirror, Chelsea have been given a boost in their pursuit to make Inter Milan winger Antonio Candreva their fifth major summer signing with the Italian giants lining up Lazio’s Keita Balde as a potential replacement.
What’s the word, then?
Well, The Mirror says that Blues boss Antonio Conte is keen to bring the Italian to Stamford Bridge this summer to provide competition for Pedro and Victor Moses on the right-hand side, and he has been given fresh hope in his attempts to sign the £23m-rated star.
The Mirror adds that Inter are willing to sell the 30-year-old as long as they pip Serie A rivals Juventus to the signing of Keita Balde, who is keen to leave Lazio during the current transfer window after refusing to sign a new deal.
How did Candreva do last season?
He was an impressive performer for Inter and ended the season having scored eight goals and provided a further 11 assists in 45 appearances in all competitions, with the majority of his outings coming in a more attacking right-wing position.
However, he can play further back if required and he did feature in a right wing-back role for Italy when Conte was manager of the national side – the plan could be for him to start there if he does come to Stamford Bridge.
The 30-year-old showed how dangerous he can be in attacking areas by creating 82 chances in 38 Serie A appearances last term, while he showed his dribbling ability by successfully completing 48 take-ons.
Would he be a good signing for Chelsea?
He certainly would be, but his age might be a slight worry.
While there is no doubt that Candreva has shown in recent seasons that he can bring something to the current Chelsea team – and being able to play in and cover a number of positions – the fact that he is 30 years of age may concern some supporters.
The signing of the Italian would certainly be one for now rather than the future, and some supporters may prefer for them to go for someone like Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
That said, if the Blues can sign him for £23m it could turn out to be something of a bargain in the current transfer market, and he could be an influential player both in the Premier League and the Champions League next term.