Chelsea want Maurizio Sarri as Antonio Conte’s replacement and can land Napoli manager for £7million if they move fast
Napoli owner has confirmed Sarri has release clause in contract but it will expire on May 31
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CHELSEA are reportedly looking to replace Antonio Conte with Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri this summer.
And the Blues could nab him for just £7million if they conclude a deal by May 31.
Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis revealed that Sarri has a release clause in his San Paolo contract, allowing him to talk to elite clubs before its expiration this summer.
And Gazzetta dello Sport claims Chelsea are plotting to meet the £7m fee as they look to ditch under-pressure gaffer Conte.
The former Italy boss is being lined up for a return by Azzurri chiefs after falling out with Chelsea’s board and owner Roman Abramovich.
Conte feels he was not sufficiently backed in the two transfer windows following last season’s miraculous Premier League title win.
But Chelsea believe the £227m they have spent on nine new faces leaves Conte with little room for disgruntlement.
Abramovich is now reckoned to be planning the Juventus favourite’s downfall.
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And Sarri could be the man replacing Conte come the end of the season.
The 59-year-old has led Napoli to the top of the Serie A table with an exciting brand of attacking football, and is looking to seal their first title win since 1990.
Chelsea are said to have already opened talks with Sarri’s representatives, but the Italian tactician is sure to be offered improved terms to keep him in Naples.
Napoli big-wig De Laurentiis told Corriere dello Sport: “Sarri is a wonderful person and a great coach. I am not worried that anyone will take him away because whoever wants him has to put £7m on the table.
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“However, I would like to remove this clause and when we meet this month I will tell him. Maurizio has ethics. He was born in Naples and has returned to win. I don’t consider this experience as a stage in his career. I adore Sarri – for me he is the best in the world.
“I wish and hope he will be our coach for a long time. He speaks only about preparing for a game. He is like a 20-year-old who is always growing and evolving. He has a lot of improving to do.”