Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is keeping tight-lipped when it comes to discussing the current transfer window.
The Italian was questioned by journalists today at his weekly press conference, ahead of the FA Cup fourth round tie against Brentford tomorrow. And it's the subject of new outfield additions in particular that he preferred to offer very little:
"I don't know what will happen. The club know my thoughts about this. But if something happens to improve our squad I'm happy. We need to improve our squad in the numbers of players because in some roles we only have a few.
"But if we stay with these players I'm very happy too ."
"Good names"
Chelsea have been linked with a number of players in recent weeks, including Bayern's Arturo Vidal, who Conte has previously worked with at Juventus, and Dimitri Payet who is in the middle of a stand-off with current club West Ham. Joking with the journalists present at Chelsea's training ground in Cobham, the former Italy coach said:
"I read a lot of good names in the newspaper. I think sometimes you know more than me!"
In terms of outgoings, Branislav Ivanovic has reportedly agreed a deal with Russian side Zenit St Petersburg whilst goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has been linked with a move to fellow Premier League side AFC Bournemouth.
A bid for Celtic's Craig Gordon was rejected on Thursday but Chelsea are considering other alternatives, otherwise Begovic will remain with the club.
Another player who could be leaving is Ola Aina, albeit temporarily. Conte said "it's possible" that the young defender could go out on a loan when questioned about him but Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Nathaniel Chalobah are expected to stay.
It has not yet been decided whether Kenedy and Charly Musonda will go back out on loan.
"Good prospects"
Brazilian midfielder Kenedy had a disappointing loan spell at Watford whilst tricky winger Musonda was recalled after a season-and-a-half at La Liga side Real Betis. Musonda, in particular, is a player that Chelsea fans are desperate to see light up Stamford Bridge but Conte explained that he values them both as players:
"They are both young with good prospects, they have a good will to fight, to try to improve, to work", Conte said.
"If we take the decision to keep them here the players will be very happy. The club and I the same. But we haven't decided yet."
Tomorrow's team selection will shed some light on this matter, as players can only play for a maximum of two clubs in a season. Chelsea's #FA Cup tie against Brentford is the first of three crucial games in a week. They travel to Premier League title rivals Liverpool on Tuesday before hosting another title rival, Arsenal, next Saturday.
