Conte to talk with Abramovich as deal hopes rise

Antonio Conte is due to hold talks with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, with the Premier League champions optimistic that the Italian will extend his contract.

Claims emerged from Italy that Conte was considering his future over Chelsea’s transfer strategy and a desire to have greater power.

As reported by The Daily Telegraph, Conte will be fighting a losing battle if he tries to take full control at Stamford Bridge, but there have since been positive conversations between the head coach and club officials.

Conte will speak to Abramovich regarding this summer and the future, when it is hoped that, barring unreasonable demands by the 47-year-old, a contract extension will finally be agreed. While the talks are not expected to be decisive for Conte’s immediate future – Chelsea expect the former Italy manager to start the new season in charge – they could shape how smoothly he and the club move forward together.

Abramovich made an offer for Conte to become the highest-paid manager in Chelsea’s history, on £9.6million a year, after last season’s title success. The Russian is willing to back Conte in this transfer window with an outlay set to exceed £200million, but will not change the club’s structure or strategy. Conte is also likely to be reminded a repeat of the text message he sent to Diego Costa to tell the striker he is no longer in his plans would not adhere to club protocol.

As part of any positive conclusion to discussions, Conte will have to accept that he is not the only voice at the club on transfers.

Chelsea are confident they will land striker Romelu Lukaku and midfielder Tiemoué Bakayoko, while they are chasing Juventus left-back Alex Sandro and hold an interest in Riyad Mahrez and Ross Barkley. But the fact Leonardo Bonucci could be sold by Juventus may test how far Abramovich is willing to back his head coach.