Incoming Chelsea boss Antonio Conte will reportedly allow the club to sell Oscar this summer, with Juventus still interested in the Brazilian.
According to Tuttosport, as reported by Football Italia, the paper has suggested that Oscar doesn’t figure in Conte’s plans for next season and so will be available for €35m.
The current Italy boss will arrive at Stamford Bridge when his contract with the FIGC expires after Euro 2016, but that hasn’t prevented speculation from linking various incomings and outgoings at the club this summer.
It is reported that Oscar’s representatives have already been informed by the club’s hierarchy that he will be made available this summer, with Juve said to be keen on making a move.
There is no denying that it has been a disappointing season for the 24-year-old, as he managed just eight goals and five assists in 38 appearances in all competitions.
While it has been a difficult campaign for the club as a whole with Jose Mourinho’s sacking last December, Oscar was one of the more influential players in the squad that came in for significant criticism from supporters for his drop in form under the Portuguese tactician.
Naturally, Conte will want to stamp his own mark on the Chelsea squad this summer, and that will involve new faces arriving that fit his style of play and idea of how the side will line up next season.
However, the former Juventus boss needs to be careful with regards to changing too much and unsettling the balance at the club as he looks for immediate success in his first season in charge in the Premier League.
It is unlikely that the 46-year-old will get too much time to settle in, and it won’t be an excuse for long if he isn’t able to secure positive results on a regular basis.
Changing too much too soon could have a negative impact, and will ensure that his new-look side needs time to adjust and familiarise themselves with one another.
Oscar hasn’t reached his full potential this season, but along with the likes of Eden Hazard and Diego Costa, it is difficult not to believe that they don’t have plenty left to give the club moving forward. Perhaps a change in personnel and culture is needed at Stamford Bridge, but many would be disappointed to see them leave.