#Chelsea have sent scouts to watch Atalanta’s Franck Kessie and Andrea Conti play against Genoa, as manager Antonio Conte keeps tabs on potential summer transfer targets, per Italian website Tuttomercatoweb. Despite leading the way in the Premier League and looking likely to claim the title, the Blues have one eye on the future, with the duo impressing this season in Serie A, with several top clubs also making enquiries including Manchester United and Italian giants Juventus.
The pair would likely cost a combined £47m, with Chelsea keen to replace their old guard with bright and young talent.
Linked with a host of top clubs
Kessie has been the star of the Atalanta side this season, despite featuring at defensive midfield. The 20-year-old has attracted interested from a whole host of big clubs, including Arsenal, with his tough tackling style and strength to hold off opponents earning him many plaudits.
The Bergamo outfit’s fans have also been treated to his exceptional dribbling ability and close ball control, combining defence and attack and chipping in with six goals and two assists. His performances have also seen him earn 13 caps for Ivory Coast, including 90 minutes against Euro 2016 runners-up France.
Versatile on the right
Kessie’s team-mate Conti has taken the long route to reach the Serie A, having been at Perugia in the Lega Pro, Italy’s third division, as recently as 2014.
The 23-year-old has since been at Virtus Lanciano is Serie B, before getting his chance in the top flight with Atalanta and looks set to be on the move again, this time to one of the big clubs in Europe.
This season has been his best, featuring 25 times so far in the league at right midfield, with his ability to win the ball back quickly, intercept a pass and get forward makes him highly versatile on the flank.
Conti also has great awareness for being in the right place at the right time, helping him to score four goals in this campaign, along with four assists.
Out with the old, in with the new
While Kessie and Conti may not go straight into the Chelsea starting line-up with the likes of N’Golo Kante, Nemanja Matic, Cesc Fabregas and Victor Moses all challenging for similar positions, they will be the future of the club.
Branislav Ivanovic left the club in January and John Terry is expected to depart this summer, leaving gaps in the squad, as Conte looks to rejuvenate the team and bring in some fresh talent, ahead of a potential Champions League campaign next season.
