New Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has told Brazilian midfielder Oscar that he wants him to stay at Stamford Bridge, according to Daily Express.
The 24-year-old looked to be on his way out of Chelsea this summer, with Juventus readying a £20million offer for a player of undoubted ability but who has too often flattered to deceive in the Premier League. Several Chinese clubs have also shown interest.
But Oscar said at the end of the season that he wanted to impress the incoming manager if he could and it appears that Conte wants to utilise his skills in a flexible forward line up.
Oscar suffered last season under previous manager Jose Mourinho, who appeared to lose faith in the Brazilian, starting him in only 13 games before he was sacked in December.
Under interim boss Guus Hiddink he enjoyed more game time but was still expected to be one of those sacrificed as the team was rebuilt.
Conte wants to give Oscar a chance to impress, though a big offer could still see Chelsea’s resolve tested.
Meanwhile, Napoli centre back Kalidou Kalibaly, a major defensive target for Conte, has hinted that he could well be on his way to Stamford Bridge, with contract talks with the Italian club having ground to a halt.
The 24-year-old said: “I’ll make a choice that is most favourable to me, not only financially but also on the pitch.
“Big clubs want to sign me and there is no sign of a renewal with Napoli. The negotiation for a contract extension is stalled. They never wanted to talk with us.
“I have not talked to Conte, but that may change soon. If nothing happens at Napoli, I will start to have contact with other clubs.”
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