Antonio Conte set Marco Parolo target

After growing fond of Marco Parolo during his time as Azzurri coach, Antonio Conte is now considering bringing the former Parma man to Chelsea.

Having already snapped up Leicester City’s N’Golo Kante, Antonio Conte is now looking to add another midfielder to his ranks at Chelsea and has identified Lazio’s Marco Parolo as his desired target.

The former Italy manager holds the 31-year-old in high regard, having made him a regular starter in his Azzurri side during their Euro 2016 adventure in France which ended in defeat to Germany after a penalty shootout.

Chelsea are more than happy to oblige their new coach’s wishes, according to Cittaceleste.it, especially as they previously kept tabs on the midfielder when he was with Cesena in 2011.

As a player who is already in-tune with the Conte philosophy, it is not just the technical value of the player that would be needed, but also the tactical balance he would bring to the Chelsea side.

However, Lazio are determined to put up a fight for Parolo, having rejected a €25 million approach from AC Milan last summer; although it appears that Chelsea are ready to test their resolve with an imminent €20m offer.

Parolo is not the only Biancocelesti midfielder who could be making their way from the Stadio Olimpico, with the future of Lucas Biglia likely to be decided within the next two weeks.

Juventus are keeping an eye on the Argentine midfield general and could make a move for the 30-year-old if Real Madrid pip them to the signature of Valencia’s Andre Gomes who won the European Championship with Portugal.

If this is the case they will however look to bring in Simone Zaza as part of the deal, to add some firepower to an attack which will have to deal with the impending departure of Antonio Candreva.