Incoming Chelsea boss Antonio Conte eyes shock move for Premier League striker

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Ahead of his arrival at Chelsea this summer, Antonio Conte has reportedly targeted Southampton star Graziano Pelle as one of his first signings.

The rumour should come as no surprise considering the fact that Pelle has played a big role for the Italy boss during his tenure in charge of the national side.

According to The Sun, the Italian tactician now wants a reunion at club level next season as he prepares for his arrival at Stamford Bridge after Euro 2016.

For his part, Pelle has just one year remaining on his deal with the Saints, and has racked up ten goals and six assists in 28 Premier League appearances so far this season.

Having been left out against Manchester City last week due to issues taken up by Ronald Koeman and his performance in training, Chelsea could be set to swoop and take advantage of the situation.

In addition, the Blues will need a back-up option to Diego Costa next season, and Pelle could fit in to add depth to the squad even though there will be no European football at the Bridge next season.

Nevertheless, it is arguably quite an uninspiring move from Conte given the funds that he will likely be handed by club owner Roman Abramovich, as Chelsea fans would perhaps have been hoping for a bigger name this summer.

The pressure will be on Conte to deliver immediate success next season, and so that possibly explains why he will favour signing players that he is familiar with as they will offer guarantees and allow him to know what he is adding to the squad rather than taking risks in the market with players he hasn’t worked with before.

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