Chelsea round-up: Negotiations over Back Up £30million striker; Brazilian set to sign; Conte confirms captaincy

Despite having signed up striker Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid, the Independent say that Antonio Conte is keen to add another forward to the ranks. They suggest that Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke and Swansea City’s Fernando Llorente are being considered for the role.



Llorente is believed to be the preferred target, having worked under Conte at Juventus and partnered Morata in Turin too. However, there is a stark difference in valuation of the Spaniard between the two clubs, with Chelsea only prepared to pay £15 million, whilst the Swans are demanding £30 million for the 32-year-old. Roman Abramovich’s best negotiating skills may be needed to secure such a deal.

Another striker is close to joining the club according to Italian agent Gianluca di Marzio, who says that Fluminese striker Richarlison is nearing a move to west London. The Daily Mail say that the striker, valued at £12 million, will go back on an agreement to move to Ajax and spurn interest from Inter Milan and Sampdoria to join Chelsea.

The 20-year-old is a youth international for Brazil and has made an impression since breaking onto the scene as a 17-year-old in 2015. Now, he will challenge himself with a move to Europe, though it does seem unlikely that he will walk straight into the first team picture at Stamford Bridge.

He will be welcomed by captain Gary Cahill, particularly after manager Antonio Conte confirmed that the England international will take on the captaincy on a full time basis. The Standard quote Conte as revealing:

“I think that it’s right to continue with Cahill, if he plays, it’s right he’s the captain… I think also we can have other captains in our team, could be Azpilicueta, Luiz, and also, in the future, it could be Thibaut Courtois, Cesc Fabregas… But I think right now it’s right to give the armband to Gary. He’s playing with the club for many years, he has the right characteristic to be a good captain.”

That comes after the exit of John Terry, who had worn the armband since 2004 when Jose Mourinho chose him to replace Marcel Desailly as captain.