Maurizio Sarri
According to reports, Chelsea are trying to announce Maurizio Sarri as their new manager by Wednesday.
Sarri, the former Napoli boss, is set to sign a two-year deal, with an option for a third. The 59-year-old’s appointment will spell the end of Antonio Conte’s two-year reign as Chelsea boss.
Conte, who guided Chelsea to the Premier League title in his debut season at Stamford Bridge, failed to work his magic again last season as they finished fifth in the league, thereby missing out on Champions League football in the upcoming campaign. Despite helping the Blues to win the FA Cup last term, the Italian is set to get the axe.
On the other hand, Sarri transformed Napoli into one of the most exciting teams to watch in Europe during his three-year spell at the Italian club. As a result, Sarri could look to raid his former club and bring in a couple of high-profile players, who would allow him to implement his preferred 4-3-3 formation at Chelsea.
After Sarri replaces Conte as Chelsea’s manager, here are three players he must sign from Napoli.
Koulibaly has been linked with a move to Chelsea for some time now. The introduction of Sarri at the club could be the crucial factor in finally bringing the Senegalese defender to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Strong in the air and confident on the ball, Koulibaly has been a reliable performer for Napoli since joining the club from Genk in 2014. In fact, under Sarri, the Senegalese established himself as one of the best centre-backs in Serie A.
Koulibaly is a robust, physically imposing central defender, who is capable of bullying any striker. He can also play as a defensive midfielder if required.
Should Sarri succeed in luring Koulibaly to Stamford Bridge, the defender’s experience and leadership skills could be vital to Chelsea.
According to reports, Sarri has made Napoli star Dries Mertens his top summer transfer target at Chelsea.
The diminutive Belgian enjoyed a fantastic season in Naples, netting 22 goals and providing a further 12 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions.
Mertens, 31, is predominantly a wide man but he fared better after Sarri deployed him as a central striker at Napoli last season. Fast, agile and versatile, the Belgium international, who has proven himself to be an exciting attacking prospect, could be a massive signing for the Blues.
An attacking full-back, Hysaj has been a consistent performer for Napoli in the past three years.
Now 24, the Albanian is an important part of the Serie A side’s first team squad. He is a modern-day full-back, who would fit the bill perfectly at Stamford Bridge.
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Hysaj, who has a €50m release clause in his contract with Napoli, has all the attributes to succeed in the Premier League.
