Chelsea and Victor Moses could be described as a strained marriage that has come together beautifully in recent months after years of councilling. However, Antonio Conte has a responsibility to his board and the Blues worldwide to ensure he can achieve success in West London. For him to do so, he must sign another quality wing-back to partner Marcos Alonso on the opposite wing.
With Antonio Conte's Chelsea on the cusp of a fifth Premier League title, the Italian manager needs to start preparing for life in the Champions League next season, and more crucially, the reality that Chelsea's fixture schedule looks set to become far more hectic. If the Blues have any intention of combatting the added pressure of European football at Stamford Bridge, the Italian manager must ensure his first-team squad has strength in depth capable of overcoming the difficulties of a four competition season.
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Even the more honest Chelsea supporters would admit the reality that Victor Moses isn't - or shouldn't be - the long-term candidate for playing as a right wing-back next season. Moses has been sensational this campaign, nonetheless, if the Blues have ambitions to dominate English football and continental competitions, the Nigerian international should be identified as a stop-gap rather than a long-term solution.
But who should Conte sign to replace him? We have decided to earmark these five candidates as players Conte should attempt to pursue this summer.
#5 Matteo Darmian – Manchester United
There's a variety of reasons why Matteo Darmian, Antonio Conte, and this current Chelsea side are a match made in heaven. The Manchester United right-back is 27-years-old and currently in the prime years of his career. Is he going to continue his career at Old Trafford with the unlikelihood of Champions League football?
Darmian would perfectly complement not only Conte's style of play but also Marcos Alonso. The Italian is all too familiar with Antonio Conte’s style of play having played under the Chelsea boss during his time as the Italian national team manager. His ability to defend would make him the ideal replacement, or upgrade on Victor Moses.
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If Chelsea are to be competitive across all four major competitions, players like Darmian would add the commitment, passion, grit, and determination to ensure Conte's continuation of success remains a formality.
For Chelsea to prise Darmian away from Jose Mourinho, a bid upwards of £25 million would be required - and even so, a move could remain unlikely due to their title aspirations.
#4 Bruno Peres – AS Roma
Remember Maicon at Inter Milan that devastated Champions League opponents during the 2009-2010 season? Chelsea could have a player capable of achieving similar greatness provided they swoop for AS Roma right-back Bruno Peres.
Not only does the Brazilian share the same nationality as Maicon, but the 24-year-old has the potential to emulate the success of his compatriot with his raw ability. Having moved from Torino this summer, Peres has continued his progression in Serie A and continues to gather many admirers for his displays at the Stadio Olimpico for the Roman outfit.
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But where does he fit into an Antonio Conte side? There's no complexity to the deal with third party ownership not an issue. Peres' credentials would see him not only emulate Moses’s physicality but his greater ability to both attack and defend, combined with his pace, power, and strength, guarantee he remains a necessity if Chelsea are to identify another wing-back.
His parent club Roma are likely to command a fee upwards of €30million, but if Chelsea have ambitions to become a European powerhouse once more, money shouldn't remain an issue.
#3 Serge Aurier – Paris Saint-Germain
French club PSG are set to cut their ties with Ivory Coast international Serge Aurier this summer due to his off-field antics that continue to bring criticism upon not only him but also the club that pays his wages.
Aurier's ability is renowned for physicality combined with a superb awareness of danger. During his three-year stint in the French capital, Aurier remains one of the club's most consistent performers - but as mentioned, his attitude and commitment have been called into question.
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Nonetheless, Conte shouldn't worry about Aurier's antics as his potential is endless. In fact, the majority of this current Chelsea side had been written off by the media, and many of whom required a second chance - similar to Aurier.
His brute muscle and ability to go from box-to-box with relative ease, ensure Conte would have a superb upgrade for Moses if he pursued a deal for the PSG man. A fee of £20million could see PSG finally end their relationship with Aurier.
#2 Mattia De Sciglio – AC Milan
It could certainly be argued that De Sciglio remains the finest full-back Italy have produced since Paulo Maldini - yet he remains at Serie A strugglers AC Milan.
The 24-year-old has been an ever-present for the national side following his call-up to Euro 2012 aged just 20. A staggering achievement when you considering the defensive prowess of the Italian national team throughout the years.
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More notably, Conte has worked with the full-back for Italy during his two-year stint in charge of the national team from 2014-2016. De Sciglio was picked on every occasion for Conte when the youngster was available for selection - further highlighting his credentials.
But how good is he? De Sciglio could be likened to Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta but with a more attacking threat. The Milan defender could cost Chelsea close to £40million. However, many experts would argue he could be identified as the ideal Antonio Conte player.
#1 Djibril Sidibe – AS Monaco
In this list, if Conte has the greatest opportunity to sign a player it would be Monaco full-back Djibril Cisse - who continues to devastate teams in Ligue 1.
The majority of supporters believe Ligue 1 is a relatively weak league. However, it cannot be denied the impact teams like AS Monaco have on proceedings. Their extraordinary acquisitions have been the catalyst for their recent success and Sidibe a prime example of this.
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The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to West London on several occasions throughout the season, and a summer move away from the principality club remains a possibility due to the attraction of playing elsewhere.
Conte could use Sidibe in a capacity that would allow him to play on either the left or right side of defence - something he has done on a regular occurrence during his tenure at Monaco. Pace, power, good on the ball and exceptionally defensively, Sidibe is a must for the Blues this summer.
