After Radja Nainggolan’s transfer started looking like a done deal, rumors regarding Obi Mikel’s departure looked inevitable. Turkey was given as his next destination as the 29 year-old enters in his last year of contract. Next to Fabregas, the Nigerian is the oldest out of all midfielders and there would be no other player more suited to make way for Conte’s future transfer. Or would it?

According to the Daily Express, Chelsea’s future manager is eying two important deals with Juventus, deals that include defender Leonardo Bonnuci and striker Alvaro Morata. Despite having a massive budget, Conte will be obligated to balance out possible new transfers as FIFA continue tracking the financial performance of every club. With that in mind, the only way Chelsea could bring in Bonnuci and Morata without leaning the balance towards the unwanted side is to sell or swap players. Considering the fact that Mikel is not valued even close to what the two Serie A players are now worth, the Blues could direct their attention elsewhere. Apparently, Nemanja Matic and Oscar could lower the price tags for the two new possible arrivals. While both a defender and a striker are very much needed at Stamford Bridge, Bonnuci could be left aside. Despite the fact that experience is one of the biggest traits a defender could have, he is still 29 which means he is 1 year short of being subject of Chelsea’s contract policy for players over 30. It`s hard to believe that Conte will sell Matic to bring in a 29-year-old, regardless of all the quality he might bring for the next year or two.

On the other side there’s Morata who is young, eager to play and quite willing to be Costa’s substitute until he proves himself. Are Matic or Oscar worth sacrificing though? Not really. Not sure if Mikel is worth sacrificing for Morata who has yet to find his place as a striker. Bottom line is that other than Pogba (not for sale), Dybala and probably Rugani, Chelsea would be better off keeping the current lot. Mikel recently announced he will not be leaving so that only leaves Matic and Oscar. If any of them are sold, they need to be replaced by someone who can rise to the same level these two guys were last season. Hopefully Conte will find a way to comply to FIFA’s regulations while managing to improve the lot.