Chelsea transfer news: Antonio Conte hints that being out of the Champions League has cost the Blues targets this summer
Italian manager also says it is 'very difficult' to buy in the current 'crazy' market but is hopeful of spending
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CHELSEA manager Antonio Conte has hinted that being out of the Champions League has cost him players this summer.
The west London club have only brought in three senior players this summer despite being linked with numerous targets.
The Blues continue to be linked with Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, AC Milan's Alessio Romagnoli and Real Madrid star James Rodriguez, but have missed out on a number of other players.
Conte, 47, hinted that a lack of football in Europe's top competition - and even the Europa League - could be putting some players off.
He said: "I believe with this market it is very difficult to [do] something.
"I have some targets, these targets are difficult to buy.
"This market is crazy, it's very difficult to reach [them]."
However, Conte stressed he was keen to bring in new players to the squad.
"At the end of the transfer market I hope to have some players more than now."
Conte was also asked whether he believed he could win the title with this current crop.
"It's difficult to answer this questions, as [I've only been] working with these players 40 days," he added.
"We know we can improve a lot. But also it's important to [have] the right number of players in the squad to face the other teams.
"We know Chelsea is a good team and a good team must fight to the end for the title.
"But also we know that last season this squad came 10th. Not fourth, fifth, sixth...
"It is important that we don't forget that we were 10th last season."
Conte then added: "I hope to improve the squad.
"I hope to improve the team with some new players.
"But we are understanding our targets are difficult to reach."