Agent: 'Candreva close to Chelsea'

By Football Italia staff

Antonio Candreva was close to joining Chelsea, confirmed his agent, but he’ll be happy to remain at Inter “if they finish in the top four.”

The winger turns 31 later this month and has always been a favourite for Chelsea manager Antonio Conte.

“He was very close to joining Chelsea in January 2017, but he had only just been signed by Inter, so it wasn’t really plausible,” confessed agent Federico Pastorello on Rai Sport.

“The transfer market is closed now, so let’s see what happens at the end of the season.

“He was very happy when he arrived at Inter, as it was the team he most wanted to play for and still feels that enthusiasm today. We hope the team can emerge from this difficult moment.

“If they finish in the top four, I think he’ll be happy to remain and finally play in the Champions League.”

A summer departure is more than likely, as last week Coach Luciano Spalletti dropped Candreva in favour of 19-year-old Yann Karamoh.

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