Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has revealed his transfer plans for the remaining three days of the January transfer window, confirming that goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and veteran defender Branislav Ivanovic could still leave the club this month.
In yesterday’s 4-0 FA Cup victory over Brentford at Stamford Bridge, Begovic only made his fifth Chelsea start of the season but did very well recording a clean-sheet to his name.
While the Bosnia and Herzegovina international played the full 90 minutes of the game, Ivanovic came on for the first goalscorer Willian after an hour of play, but went on to score the Blues’s third goal and win a penalty for his side closer to the full-time whistle.
After the match Conte was questioned about the two Chelsea players’ situation at the club, and he confirmed that anything could still happen in the coming three days.
“It is difficult to make a decision but we must respect every decision for the players. Ivanovic is a legend here.
He has played a lot of games and won a lot. In this season he is not playing in the same way as the last few years. We must wait over these next three days and we will see.
It is the same for Asmir. He is important for us. In his position we need to find the right substitution, otherwise he is happy to stay with us.”
– Antonio Conte, Express
Chelsea have received a £10m offer for the former Stoke City keeper, while Zenit St. Petersburg are showing big interest on Ivanovic, who could leave the club on a free transfer with his contract set to expire.
