Deal Almost Agreed for new Chelsea manager as Blues prepare to pay release clause of Serie A tactician

According to Italian publication the Gazzetta Dello Sport, Chelsea are ready to pay the buyout clause of SC Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri, as the West London side prepares for life after Italian Antonio Conte.

Chelsea struggles

After a brilliant debut campaign at Stamford Bridge during which the former Italy boss won the Premier League title back to the team, Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte has suffered the famous ‘second-season syndrome’ during the ongoing campaign, with good displays often followed by poor and uninspiring outings.

The latest of Chelsea’s disappointing displays came at the Bridge to AFC Bournemouth in midweek, when they were incredibly beaten by 3 goals to nothing.

Since the loss, reports have started mounting that Antonio Conte will soon be sacked, with the former Juventus manager’s protestations that he has about 18 months remaining on his deal with the side doing little to reduce persistent speculations that he will leave Stamford Bridge when the season ends.

Italian managers favoured

As such, a number of sources throughout the British media have suggested that the club board have started their search for Antonio Conte’s replacement, with news publications in Italy ensuring that Chelsea have already identified their prime target for the job.