Fiorentina’s Federico Bernardeschi has been linked with some of Europe’s top clubs since his breakthrough 2015-16 campaign in the Serie A, but it appears the winger is now set to force a move to Chelsea in the January transfer window.
Chelsea are warming to Antonio Conte’s methods and after eleven games, looking as though they could challenge for the title. The Italian’s tactical shift has made the Blues a force to be reckoned with in recent weeks; the Blues are currently on a five-match winning run, scoring 17 goals and conceding none in the process.
Wingers play a key role in the 3-4-3 formation adopted by Conte and with the boss still looking out for possible additions to his squad, it comes as no surprise that Chelsea are being linked with a move for Federico Bernardeschi.
The Express claim that the young Italian is apparently flattered by reports linking him with a move to Chelsea and is seemingly willing to make the jump as early as January. The 22-year-old has told Fiorentina that he is keen on moving to the English capital to join forces with Conte.
Since breaking onto the first team scene in the 2014-15 campaign, Bernardeschi has gone on to make 66 appearances for the Viola, registering 13 goals and 10 assists. The youngster has already enjoyed a fruitful start to the ongoing campaign, scoring four times and assisting twice thus far.
Conte is known to be an admirer of the young Fiorentina forward and given the demands he places on his players in terms of intensity and adaptability, Bernardeschi would be an excellent man to have in the Blues squad.
With a strong work-ethic, Bernardeschi could be a suitable candidate for the wing-back role, positions currently occupied by Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses. However, he’s developing well with Fiorentina and recent quotes paint a picture of a player that’s content with life at the club even though the Express reports seem to claim otherwise.
However, Conte will be aware that having struggled to get deals done in the summer, it will be all the more difficult to do so in January when teams usually look to hold on to their core group of players. The Italian is also expected to face competition from the likes of Inter Milan and AC Milan, both of whom have been scouting the player.
