Antonio Conte has a lot of work to do if he is to get Chelsea competing for the Premier League title next season.
The incoming boss will inherit an almost elderly squad, including a few really bad eggs, so he better be prepared to get busy in the transfer market.
Chelsea’s defence has arguably been their main area of weakness since they were crowned champions of England 12 long months ago. Crystal Palace, West Brom and Watford have all been tighter at the back than the ninth-placed Blues this term, while only Bournemouth, Norwich, Sunderland, Newcastle and Aston Villa have kept fewer clean sheets in the top-flight.
According to The Mirror, Chelsea are keen to improve their backline with a man who Conte will be very familiar with. The tabloid newspaper claim that Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci is on the summer hit-list at Stamford Bridge.
Bonucci, who has played under Conte for club and country, is currently in his sixth season at Juve. He has already helped the Turin giants to five back-to-back Serie A titles. The 28-year-old is a relentless winner.
The Mirror also report that Chelsea’s hit-list includes Borussia Dortmund midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Former Shakhtar star Mkhitaryan has been superb for Dortmund this season, coming up with 11 goals and 13 assists in 29 Bundesliga games.
The 27-year-old is fast becoming known as one of Europe’s most effective playmakers.
Mkhitaryan is also, arguably, Armenia’s finest export. He is his country’s all-time record goalscorer, having netted 16 times in 57 senior games.
Were it not for those pesky Kardashians being of Armenian descent, Mkhitaryan would be untouchable in the national fame stakes!
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