Chelsea transfer news: Fiorentina’s Milan Badelj and Federico Bernardeschi on Antonio Conte’s January wishlist
Blues gaffer ready to dip into the market this winter as he looks to win the title in his first Premier League season
CHELSEA are ready to pounce for two Fiorentina stars in the January transfer window, according to reports.
Despite sitting at the top of the table after a six-game winning run, Antonio Conte is still determined to strengthen his squad and fight off Liverpool and Manchester City in the title race.
According to , first on Conte’s wishlist is central midfielder Milan Badelj, who is vital to Fiorentina’s plans and style of play.
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The 27-year-old would provide great competition for N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic, but it’s claimed he could be hard to prise away from the Serie A giants.
Next up is versatile winger Federico Bernardeschi, who plays in the same position as resurgent wing-back Victor Moses but can also be deployed as an emergency striker.
Conte gave the 22-year-old his first cap as Italy boss and included him in the squad for Euro 2016 last summer.
The report adds Chelsea will make substantial bids for the duo after paying a handsome fee for Marcos Alonso earlier this year.
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The Blues believe they have a good relationship with Fiorentina after also signing Juan Cuadrado during Jose Mourinho’s reign.
And although Conte would also like to poach defender Nenad Tomovic, he is ready to wait for the Serb until next summer.