Sarri closes in on Chelsea manager’s job
MauRIzIo saRRI has cleared a path to Chelsea by completing his exit from the Napoli dugout.
Former Blues manager Carlo ancelotti has been appointed to replace him at the san Paolo, leaving sarri to seek a fresh challenge.
Chelsea continue to deliberate on the future of antonio Conte after winning the Fa Cup.
The hierarchy at stamford Bridge have tired of Conte’s public outbursts about the transfer policy, his fierce mood swings at the training ground and a deteriorating relationship with his players.
But owner Roman abramovich, who is unable to enter the uK due to delays in the process of his visa renewal, has been reluctant to pay off the coach and his eight Italian staff in full because it would cost more than £9million.
sarri’s sudden availability, however, could force the issue.
The 59-year-old, who led Napoli to a runners-up place in serie a this year playing attractive and exciting football, wants the Chelsea job if it becomes available.
he has also been linked with a move to zenit st Petersburg in Russia after manager Roberto Mancini took the Italy national job.
‘I’d like to thank sarri for his valuable contribution to Napoli,’ wrote club president aurelio de Laurentiis on Twitter yesterday.
‘he brought joy and prestige to Naples and Napoli fans all over the world with an entertaining brand of football that drew praise from all quarters. Well done, Maurizio.’
Napoli claim sarri had not been sacked and remains under contract despite the appointment of ancelotti. There is a clause enabling him to leave for £7m before the end of May but when that date passes he will be able to move for free.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s £65m record signing alvaro Morata was pictured in Italy yesterday in conversation outside a hotel with Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici.
Morata endured a difficult first season in English football after his move from Real Madrid and would like to move back to serie a.
Ac Milan have also been linked but returning to Juventus, where he enjoyed two successful years, would appeal to the 25-year-old.
Chelsea will be prepared to sell him at the right price to fund a move for Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Munich or Manchester united’s anthony Martial.