Antonio Candreva to Chelsea: Italy star tells Serie A giants Lazio he wants to leave as his agent drops huge Premier League hint
Versatile winger has been linked with Antonio Conte reunion at Stamford Bridge as he eyes a fresh challenge abroad
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REPORTED Chelsea target Antonio Candreva wants to quit Lazio for a new challenge.
That’s according to his agent, who has talked up a move to Stamford Bridge by describing the Premier League as the ‘top league’ in Europe.
As revealed exclusively by SunSport, new boss Antonio Conte is hoping to land the Italy ace in a big-money swoop this summer.
Chelsea have put £25million aside to beat Inter Milan to Candreva’s signature, with Conte also eyeing a £38m move for Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci – a summer target for Manchester City.
Versatile winger Candreva would fit in perfectly with either a four-man or three-man defence, and would most likely compete with Juan Cuadrado for a place on the right in Conte’s XI.
And a move to west London could now be on the cards after Candreva told Lazio he wants out, with the 29-year-old telling the club he is desperate to leave for a fresh start elsewhere.
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Agent Federico Pastorello said: “He joined Lazio and even got insults from some fans. He won them all over but now Antonio has realised it’s time for a new challenge.
“Fans shouldn’t be upset or angry, it’s part of the logic that brings clubs and players together, and then clubs take decision to go their separate ways.
“That doesn’t mean we should leave on bad terms. This experience has brought him great relationships over the years with the president, coaches, teammates and fans.
“If he were to leave, it would be with a smile. [The Premier League is] the top league [in Europe]. Antonio would also consider options abroad.”