Chelsea transfer news: Axel Witsel rejects Antonio Conte’s plea to become Oscar’s replacement at Stamford Bridge

AXEL WITSEL has reportedly rejected an SOS call from Chelsea boss Antonio Conte as he prepares to join Juventus.

The Zenit St Petersburg midfielder is out of contract next summer and a move to Turin has already been agreed.

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Witsel admits he does not know if he will link up with Max Allegri’s title hopefuls in January or July, but that hasn’t stopped Chelsea from making an audacious last-minute move for his services.

Italian newspaper Tuttosport claims Blues manager Conte is desperate to bring Witsel to Stamford Bridge next month after topping the Premier League table at Christmas.

Brazilian outcast Oscar is on the verge of moving to China for around £60million, leaving a gap to fill in Chelsea’s star-studded squad.

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And although Witsel plays in a deeper midfield role, he could be just the man to take Oscar’s No.8 jersey.

Cesc Fabregas is now capable of moving into the forward wide positions thanks to additional support from Victor Moses.

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But Conte’s dream of an extra-solid midfield base has taken an alleged blow, with Tuttosport adding that Witsel has no intention of moving to Stamford Bridge.

The Belgium international is said to be a man of his word and will not back out of his Juventus move after shaking on the switch earlier this season, meaning Chelsea will be forced to look elsewhere.