Chelsea are hoping to tempt Antonio Conte back to the club, according to La Repubblica.
The Italian newspaper claims that the Blues are trying to persuade the 54-year-old to return to Stamford Bridge and snub offers from AC Milan and Napoli. Conte is said to be keener on staying in Italy rather than taking up another role in the English Premier League but club chairman Todd Boehly could put a sizeable offer on the table in order to change his mind. The news has been met with a mixed reaction among fans on X:
I will be the happiest Chelsea fan ever if this happens.
— Darlington (@Dlaryea7) May 2, 2024
No way the owners sacked Tuchel because of ego and go in for Conte
— Busia (@QwasiClement) May 2, 2024
As crazy as this is… Conte will bring a fire and passion back to Chelsea that I miss. Upset about the way he treated Costa though and don’t know how he’ll handle this young dressing room but I like him more than Poch
— Alex Philip (@alexphilip19_) May 2, 2024
No chance
— ChelseaReport (@chelsreport_) May 2, 2024
Best believe, if he takes the job, a lot of these clowns in the squad will be axed overnight.
— ᥊ (@HG22iv) May 2, 2024
Bahaha, if that is the case then this board are truly lost.
— CFCDeepDive (@CfcDeepDive) May 2, 2024
Count me in
— Kolade CFC (@his_gram) May 2, 2024
No way this is true. Conte personality as a manager does not even seem to fit what we have
— Jared Bradley (EURO)🌟🌟 (@Jaredandre3) May 2, 2024
What are the chances of Conte returning to Chelsea?
The Italian was sacked by the Blues in the summer of 2018, two years after taking charge of the London club, having won the Premier League title in his first season.
Conte has not been in work since he left Tottenham last year so he is available if Chelsea are serious about replacing Mauricio Pochettino.
It should be pointed out, though, that journalist Fabrizio Romano has said there is no truth to reports that talks have been held with Conte at this time.
Who are the favourites to replace Pochettino?
Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim and Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi are the two leading candidates if the Blues decide to part ways with their current head coach.
The bookmakers have Conte as a rank outsider for the job at 20/1 to 25/1.
