Chelsea have made a statement of intent under Antonio Conte's astute management as they sit six points clear at the top of the pile in the Premier League. A change in formation has worked wonders and has changed the mood completely around the club for good. Conte is said to be planning for transfer targets since long and a midfield general has been in his mind for long to dictate the tempo of their game.
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PSG's Marco Verratti is Chelsea's number one target this January with Antonio Conte keen to bring the talented midfielder to Stamford Bridge next month.
Verratti has worked with Conte during their time together with the Italian national team as the former Juventus manager had tried to lure him away that time also to play him with the Old Lady but the midfielder was adamant of staying put with the French giants. With Oscar's move to China becoming closer and closer with each passing day, Chelsea's focus has shifted to try and prize Verratti away from Paris' clutches.
Considering Chelsea's genuine chance of clinching the Premier League title in May, owner Roman Abramovich has guaranteed the manager that money won't be an issue for the target that Conte will decide in January. Marina Granovskaia, who is the Russian's right-hand woman is tasked with the job of delivering Conte's targets next month as Chelsea's director must work hard to land Verratti next month.
Though Verratti's deal with PSG runs till 2021, the Blues are confident of signing him. He won't cheap though with Chelsea willing to spend up to £40 million on the Italian midfielder which will test Unai Emery's resolve to keep hold of his prized asset. Verratti's agent, Donato Di Campli was quoted earlier this season where he said that his client will consider offers if PSG fails to win a big trophy soon.
He said, "Contracts are made and unmade in three minutes. We'll see PSG's aims. Marco is happy to stay here but he wants to win something big soon. He cannot stay in a team that does not win."
Unai Emery, the PSG boss is a cup specialist but winning a trophy might be very difficult for Parisians this season. They face Barcelona in the round of 16 in Champions League with an upset against the Catalans seeming highly unlikely with PSG bowing out of the elite competition four successive times at the quarter finals stage.
PSG are third in the league table behind Nice and Monaco whereas Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 10 games and are pundits' favourites to win the Premier League this season. PSG are going to find it very tough to keep hold of Verratti with all the possibilities working well in Chelsea's cause.
