Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is reportedly stepping up his efforts to sign a new right-back with two names in particular emerging on his shortlist.
With Victor Moses picking up an injury this past week, the Italian tactician deployed Pedro in the right wing-back slot on Saturday only to see his side fall to a 2-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace.
While they still boast a seven-point advantage over nearest rivals Tottenham at the top of the Premier League table, it was a reminder that they perhaps don’t have the strength across the squad needed.
It’s claimed by The Mirror that Conte has already started to identify summer targets with scouts sent to watch Atalanta ace Andrea Conti, while Jeremy Toljan of Hoffenheim is also a possible option.
It’s added that Toljan, 22, has been tracked by Conte since he was in charge at Juventus, and with 15 Bundesliga appearances under his belt so far this season, he will only have continued to develop his game and gain experience.
As for Conti, he continues to enjoy a stellar campaign for Atalanta as they continue their march for a Europa League qualification spot, as he bagged his fifth goal of the season at the weekend in a 5-0 win over Genoa.
Adding quality and depth will be pivotal for Chelsea this summer as they will have to contend with a return to the Champions League which will put added stress on Conte’s troops.
As with any top club around Europe, he’ll be aiming to have two top options in each position moving forward, and with a lack of depth behind Moses, the right-back position is seemingly going to take precedence this summer.