Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has told Cesc Fabregas he wants him to stay at the club next season and that he will give him more game time than in 2016/17. The Spain international’s future has been the subject of some speculation in recent months, following just 29 Premier League appearances last season, only 13 of which were starts. Conte, however, was pleased with Fabregas’ contribution as Chelsea won the Premier League title and reached the FA Cup final, and wants the 30-year-old to stick around this summer.
Fabregas had been linked with the likes of AC Milan after playing a reduced role for the Blues last term, but showing all his old class whenever he did get onto the pitch.
That wasn’t lost on Conte, it would seem, with the Italian reportedly moving to reassure Fabregas over his future after further competition in midfield arrived in the form of Tiemoue Bakayoko.
The Frenchman joins in a £40million deal from Monaco and is likely to be first choice alongside N’Golo Kante in midfield next season.
However, it is Nemanja Matic rather than Fabregas who is expected to make way at Stamford Bridge, with Conte holding talks to reassure Fabregas over his future, according to the London Evening Standard.
It remains to be seen if the former Arsenal man will be won over, but Conte seemingly plans to use him more often next term as he prepares for added fixtures after getting back into the Champions League.
Conte has been keen to bolster his squad over this transfer window, having relied upon a small group last season due to the lack of European football.
With Nathaniel Chalobah already leaving for Watford and Matic likely to follow as Manchester United, Inter Milan and Juventus show an interest, Conte will be pinning his hopes on Fabregas as a third option in central midfield.
Credit: Metro
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