Chelsea have made a shock move to re-sign Antonio Conte as the club’s manager, according to reports.
Conte, who has been out of managerial duties since his infamous Tottenham exit, could return as the Blues’ manager if the London club have their way.
According to Italian outlet La Republica, Chelsea are in ”close contact” with the Italian and his representatives, and are fancying a move for the manager.
The report adds the Blues are eager to have the former Juventus and Inter Milan manager return as manager if they have their way.
Whether such a move could materialize is yet to be determined. Futballnews understands Conte is close to becoming Napoli manager with reports the football veteran has penned down a three-year contract with the 2022/23 Serie A champions.
However, with no official statement from the club confirming the deal, speculations have continued to swirl around the future of the 54-year-old.
Meanwhile, it is understood current Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is facing an uncertain future at the club despite having over 12 months left on his two-year contract with the club.
Pochettino has struggled to return Chelsea to the elite cadre of clubs in the English topflight despite Todd Boehly’s billion-dollar signings.
Under the Argentine’s watch, Chelsea will end the season trophyless and are ruled out of the Champions League next season. Although still eyeing a slot in the second tier or third tier of European club competition next season, Chelsea hierarchy reportedly believes Pochettino has not done enough with the array of young talents at the his disposal.
Should Conte return to the Chelsea dugout, it will be the second time the Italian has managed the Blues.
He joined the club in 2016 and won the Premier League title in his debut campaign. However, he was sacked in 2018 after a disappointing campaign in the English topflight.
