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What’s the rumour?
According to The Sun, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte reportedly wants to sign Juventus left-back Kwadwo Asamoah to provide competition to Marcos Alonso next season. The Ghanaian is out of contract at the end of the season and appears to be a wanted man by Conte.
In case you didn't know:
Asamoah was signed by Conte himself during his tenure at Juventus in 2012 from Udinese. The player is primarily a left-back but is equally adept at playing as a defensive midfielder. He established himself as a regular under the Italian, but a serious knee injury at the beginning of the 2014-15 season hampered his progress.
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In the meantime, Juventus snapped up Alex Sandro from Porto, who through a series of consistent performances, cemented his position at left-back.
But this season, Asamoah has resurrected his career and is also out of a contract this summer, and Conte is understood to be inclined towards bringing him to Stamford Bridge in a potential free transfer deal.
The heart of the matter:
Conte was short of options at left wing back at the beginning of the season and Marcos Alonso had to play in that position week in and week out for the good part of the season. Although they snapped up Emerson Palmieri from Roma, Conte has not started him in the league so far.
Despite Alex Sandro rumoured to be very close to a move to Chelsea, as per reports from ESPN, it now seems he may stay put at Turin. Thus, Conte has turned his attention to Asamoah.
Rumour probability - 7/10
Some credible sources across Europe are reporting the same and if Conte is at Chelsea next season, which is a big "if", he will be ready to make a move for the player.
Video: Asamoah for Juventus this season
Author’s take
Asamoah is a player who will fit perfectly in Conte's preferred 3-4-3 system and may provide Alonso with some occasional rest. Juventus want him to sign a new contract, but it remains to be seen if he will extend his stay in Turin.
If not, he would prove to be a great addition to Chelsea's squad and add more depth to their defence.
