Former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte who has recently joined Inter Milan, wants to bring Croatian midfielder Matteo Kovacic to Italy this summer. The 26-year old midfielder played for the Nerrazurri before joining Real Madrid and if things go as per Conte’s plans he will be back in Black and Blue jersey in the upcoming season.

However, Chelsea are also eager to hold the Real Madrid player permanently, as he was on loan at the Stamford Bridge. The Blues will have to work swiftly to tie up a deal with the Croatia International with the largely unknown transfer ban looming upon them. Amidst all the controversies the Blues have already allowed their talisman Eden Hazard to join Real Madrid. Although both the negotiations are happening separately, the Blues can expect the Los Blancos to be lenient with the Kovacic deal. It is the only thing that can work for Chelsea right and considering the players out of loan, the Blues do not have a midfielder of Kovacic’s pedigree and skill-set.

the transition to the Premier League did not happen smoothly for the 24-year old midfielder but with time he has grown in stature and his presence in the midfield will also helo both N’Golo Kante and Jorginho to win the midfield duels. Kovacic has a different swagger about himself, he likes to take on players in the midfield and enjoys a freer attacking role. Something which Chelsea can make use after the departure of Eden Hazard. Reports also suggest that Maurizio Sarri may head to Juventus and with every passing day it is becoming more and more imminent.

So a new manager coming at the helm will enjoy a player of Kovacic’s calibre in that midfield trident. He may also allow Kovacic to play freely which someone like Sarri did not allow him this season.

Amidst all the talks of him extending his stay at West London, Antonio Conte seems confident in securing his services for the upcoming season. The former Real Madrid man would also favour a move back to San Siro where he had earlier spent two years.

The Croatian midfielder is currently at his prime age and it will be a great bit of business if Chelsea manages to tie him down to long term contract. Similarly, it will be a great move for Inter as well as Conte looks to strengthen his side for the upcoming season.

The Nerazzurri are also eyeing a move for Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku and out of favour winger Alexis Sanchez in order to strengthen their side for the upcoming season where they will look to come up with decent performance in the Champions League as well as in the Serie A.

While speaking to BBC World Service, former Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte expressed his desire in strengthening the team for the upcoming season. He also hinted that the Nerazzurri are eager to compete for all the titles next season and are looking to close that gap between other sides.

He said: “I think now it is very difficult to talk about this.”

“For sure, we have a plan to try to improve the team.”

“But it will be very important for the players, it will be very important to have a great will and great ambition, me, the players and the club, to try to reduce this gap.”