According to reports in England, the incoming Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has surprisingly named Graziano Pelle to his hitlist this summer.
The Italy international has played a solid part in Southampton’s success this season, but has only year year left in his contract at St. Mary’s Stadium.
Conte is reportedly hopeful of being able to lure the 30-year-old with him to Chelsea for Diego Costa’s back-up, should the Spaniard stay in blue after the season, The Sun reports.
After the current Azzurri coach handed Pelle his first senior appearance at the international stage in 2014, the bond between the two is described strong to boost the deal to happen.
Conte picked the Southampton star to March’s friendlies ahead of the Euro 2016 this summer, and has handed him 11 appearances for the national team overall.
As Radamel Falcao and Alexandre Pato are likely to depart since their deals with the club are only loans, Chelsea need some experienced forwards for star striker Costa’s support.
