Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will reportedly meet with Italy coach Antonio Conte next week to finalise a deal for him to become the club’s next manager.
It has been described as a decisive meeting between the pair, with Conte set to arrive at Stamford Bridge after his contract expires following the conclusion of Euro 2016 this summer.
According to The Telegraph, as reported by Football Italia, the meeting will take place at the One Apple restaurant in Monte Carlo, which is owned by the Italian’s brother, Daniele.
Reports last week claimed that Abramovich had already revealed to the Chelsea staff and players that the former Juventus boss would be taking charge next season.
The reigning Premier League champions sacked Jose Mourinho in December after a poor start to the campaign, with Guus Hiddink appointed on an interim basis.
Although the Dutchman has overseen a significant improvement in recent months, he isn’t in line to become a permanent appointment, which in turn has led to speculation over Conte’s future and various other tacticians across Europe.
The Italian is rumoured to have already started thinking about constructing his backroom staff, while it is suggested that an agreement in principle has already been reached on personal terms, and it is a mere formality that he will be announced as the next Chelsea boss.