Chelsea eye Tuchel as Conte is ‘prepared to quit’ – report

Oli Fisher
Antonio Conte: Took the blame for Man United defeat

Antonio Conte is “prepared to quit” Chelsea this summer over a difference in strategy ahead of the 2017/18 season, a report claims.

The Italian is yet to sign a new deal with the Blues, and latest reports in the Daily Record state that he has told Chelsea he is willing to walk out should “key concerns go unresolved”.

The report claims that the former Juventus boss has made the following demands before signing a new deal:

“1) A direct line of communication to Roman Abramovich and the owner’s first line of command at the club, director Marina Granovskaia.

“2) Power over the appointment of assistant coaches with the replacement of Steve Holland a priority.

“3) Full control over Chelsea’s academy as a condition of becoming personally involved in the club’s youth ranks, including the freedom to introduce a new academy chief.

“4) Improved financial terms.”

According to sources close to Conte, he is unhappy about being given little backing to bring in new players in his two previous windows at Stamford Bridge.

As a result, he believes Chelsea owe him an “aggressive spend” this summer if the club is to compete in all competitions.

The Daily Record report goes on to state that the Blues may turn to Thomas Tuchel should Conte repeat past habits and walk away from the club after winning the title.