Chelsea are being increasingly linked with a move for Italy international Antonio Candreva.

Antonio Conte, who is desperate for some new arrivals at Stamford Bridge, worked with the midfielder during his time in charge of the Italian national team.

Inter Milan are understood to be willing to sell the 30-year-old for a £25million fee with Luciano Spalletti, the club’s manager, hinting that an approach from the Blues was possible.

‘Chelsea could try to do something,’ he said.

What would Chelsea be getting?

Candreva only joined Inter Milan last summer, moving in a £19.8m deal from Lazio. He enjoyed a fruitful season at the San Siro, making 38 Serie A appearances in which he scored six goals and made 10 assists.

Candreva in pre-season action (Getty)

Prior to that was at Lazio for five years, during which time he scored 41 goals in 151 league appearances.

He’s also incredibly experienced, having made his Italy debut in 2009 since which he has amassed 47 caps and scored six goals for the national team.

Where would he play?

Candreva and Conte worked together with Italy (Getty)

Candreva plays predominantly on the right wing but can also play centrally. While preferring to play in more advanced positions he is capable of playing slightly further back.

The focus of his game is whipping in crosses with his right foot, although he is also willing to take defenders on, keeping opponents on their toes.

How would he fit in at Chelsea?

The most obvious position for Candreva would be on the right side of Chelsea’s front three from where he could look to whip in deliveries for new-boy Alvaro Morata.

That would mean replacing Willian, which might not be a popular choice. However there is an argument Candreva would be more productive. A comparison of their Serie A and Premier League records show the Italian scored a goal every 382 minutes compared to 450 for the Brazilian.

An alternative option is to play him as a wing-back. Conte is known to want some competition for Victor Moses on that right-side and Candreva could provide it. The Italian is much more focused on attack than defence, but against weaker sides that won’t put Chelsea under much pressure, he could offer another avenue of attack.

 

In the 2-1 victory over Tottenham on Sunday, Chelsea’s midfield at times resembled something more akin to a diamond formation. If Conte were to lean on this more often then Candreva could take up a position on the right.

 

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